Linfield vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Linfield University in McMinnville, OR 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 Linfield based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Linfield vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Linfield 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 Linfield ($22,299 vs. $29,936).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 11.1% lower than at Linfield University ($13,008 vs. $14,640).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Linfield (about $1,404 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $50,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at PLU than at Linfield University (about $1,404 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $50,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Linfield University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 12.2% larger than aid received by Linfield University students ($40,573 vs. $36,156).

Linfield vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Linfield 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 Linfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Linfield (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Linfield).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Linfield University 1050/1210; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Linfield University 20/27; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Linfield - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Linfield Feb 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Linfield students have the same average high school GPA (3.71) as students at PLU (3.71).
• Linfield has a higher acceptance rate (85.2%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at Linfield vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Linfield vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Linfield 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).

• Linfield University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Linfield University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,400 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Linfield University graduates have a $800 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Linfield graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More Linfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 74%)

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.