PLU vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than AMU based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,423 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

PLU vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or AMU? 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 AMU ($22,299 vs. $25,294).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 9.9% lower than at Ave Maria University ($13,008 vs. $14,432).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 73% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $22,056 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73% higher at PLU than at Ave Maria University (about $22,056 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ave Maria University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 93.8% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($40,573 vs. $20,936).

PLU vs. AMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLU or AMU? 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 AMU and PLU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at AMU (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at AMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Ave Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; AMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at AMU (3.6).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 32.8% at AMU.

PLU vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and AMU? 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 Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $3,372 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($22,428 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($231 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AMU 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.