PLU vs. Milligan

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Milligan based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,240 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PLU vs. Milligan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Milligan? 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 Milligan University than PLU ($21,165 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milligan University are 31.6% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($8,900 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 29.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Milligan (about $11,804 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $40,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at PLU than at Milligan University (about $11,804 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $40,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milligan University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 30% larger than aid received by Milligan University students ($40,573 vs. $31,220).

PLU vs. Milligan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milligan University (1200) is 50 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Milligan).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Milligan University 1133/1268.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Milligan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Milligan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Milligan Aug 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Milligan (3.69).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Milligan (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 27.6% at Milligan.

PLU vs. Milligan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Milligan? 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, Milligan University graduates have a $300 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,500 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Milligan graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($263 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Milligan students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

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.