PLU vs. Ripon College

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Ripon College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Ripon College is in Ripon, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ripon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Ripon College 12:1.

PLU vs. Ripon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Ripon College? 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 Ripon College ($22,299 vs. $23,772).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ripon College are 17% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($10,800 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ripon College (about $354 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $51,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at PLU than at Ripon College (about $354 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $51,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ripon College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 2.2% larger than aid received by Ripon College students ($40,573 vs. $39,716).

PLU vs. Ripon College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Ripon College (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Ripon College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Ripon College 980/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Ripon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Ripon College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Ripon College (3.41).
• Ripon College has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 10.9% at Ripon College.

PLU vs. Ripon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Ripon College? 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).

• Ripon College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Ripon College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $2,200 lower median loan debt than Ripon College graduates ($25,800 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ripon College graduates ($266 vs. $289).
• More Ripon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.