Fresno Pacific University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fresno Pacific University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (2,879 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fresno Pacific University is located in Fresno, CA (Large City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fresno Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fresno Pacific University 10:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Fresno Pacific University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fresno Pacific University or PLU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fresno Pacific University than PLU ($15,261 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 21.5% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($10,210 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fresno Pacific University (about $15,594 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $36,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at PLU than at Fresno Pacific University (about $15,594 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $36,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 37% larger than aid received by Fresno Pacific University students ($40,573 vs. $29,616).

Fresno Pacific University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fresno Pacific University or PLU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between PLU and Fresno Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 40 points higher than at Fresno Pacific University (1110).
• Incoming PLU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Fresno Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fresno Pacific University 970/1240; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fresno Pacific University 17/24; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fresno Pacific University - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Fresno Pacific University (3.54).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Fresno Pacific University (64.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Fresno Pacific University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fresno Pacific University and PLU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Fresno Pacific University's (50%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Fresno Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fresno Pacific University graduates have a $4,300 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Fresno Pacific University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($222 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.