PLU vs. MBBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA with Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than MBBC based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Maranatha Baptist University is in Watertown, WI (Distant Town setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Maranatha Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Maranatha Baptist University 11:1.

PLU vs. MBBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or MBBC? 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 MBBC ($22,299 vs. $28,415).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maranatha Baptist University are 26.6% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($9,548 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 142.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MBBC (about $30,704 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $21,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.5% higher at PLU than at Maranatha Baptist University (about $30,704 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $21,550.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University as at Maranatha Baptist University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 358.5% larger than aid received by Maranatha Baptist University students ($40,573 vs. $8,850).

PLU vs. MBBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 50 points higher than at MBBC (1100).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at MBBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Maranatha Baptist University 940/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Maranatha Baptist University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; MBBC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at MBBC (3.38).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than MBBC (71.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 68.5% at MBBC.

PLU vs. MBBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and MBBC? 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 Maranatha Baptist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than MBBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $35,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Maranatha Baptist University graduates have a $10,300 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($15,500 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, MBBC graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($160 vs. $266).
• More MBBC 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.