PLU vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than John Paul the Great Catholic University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); John Paul the Great Catholic University is in Escondido, CA (Large City setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. John Paul the Great Catholic University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; John Paul the Great Catholic University 15:1.

PLU vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or John Paul the Great Catholic University? 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 John Paul the Great Catholic University ($22,299 vs. $35,175).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Paul the Great Catholic University are 24.1% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($9,868 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 72.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than John Paul the Great Catholic University (about $21,989 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $30,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.7% higher at PLU than at John Paul the Great Catholic University (about $21,989 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $30,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Paul the Great Catholic University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 138.9% larger than aid received by John Paul the Great Catholic University students ($40,573 vs. $16,982).

PLU vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLU or John Paul the Great Catholic University? 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 John Paul the Great Catholic University and PLU.

• John Paul the Great Catholic University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 30 points higher than at John Paul the Great Catholic University (1120).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at John Paul the Great Catholic University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; John Paul the Great Catholic University 975/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; John Paul the Great Catholic University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; John Paul the Great Catholic University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at John Paul the Great Catholic University (3.56).
• John Paul the Great Catholic University has a higher acceptance rate (79.6%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 43% at John Paul the Great Catholic University.

PLU vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and John Paul the Great Catholic University? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Paul the Great Catholic University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,750 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, John Paul the Great Catholic University and PLU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($266 vs. $266).

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.