Kings College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Kings College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,939 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• King's College is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• King's College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: King's College 13:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Kings College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kings College 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 Pacific Lutheran University than Kings College ($22,299 vs. $23,689).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 15.5% lower than at King's College ($13,008 vs. $15,400).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 18.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kings College (about $8,154 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $44,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.5% higher at PLU than at King's College (about $8,154 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $44,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at King's College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 18.5% larger than aid received by King's College students ($40,573 vs. $34,244).

Kings College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kings College 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 Kings College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at King's College (1170) is 20 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: King's College 1070/1270; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kings College - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Kings College (3.5).
• Kings College has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Kings College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Kings College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kings College 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 King's College's (63%).
• Graduates from King's College earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Kings College graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kings College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kings College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 72%)

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.