PLU vs. Saint Martin's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA with Saint Martin's University in Lacey, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Saint Martin's University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Saint Martin's University is in Lacey, WA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Martin's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Saint Martin's University 11:1.

PLU vs. Saint Martin's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University ($22,299 vs. $29,116).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 14.1% lower than at Saint Martin's University ($13,008 vs. $15,152).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Martin's University (about $6,744 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $45,510.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at PLU than at Saint Martin's University (about $6,744 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $45,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Martin's University than at Pacific Lutheran University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 20.6% larger than aid received by Saint Martin's University students ($40,573 vs. $33,654).

PLU vs. Saint Martin's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLU or Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University and PLU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Saint Martin's University (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 18 at Saint Martin's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Saint Martin's University 1025/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Saint Martin's University 16/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Saint Martin's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Saint Martin's University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Saint Martin's University (3.46).
• Saint Martin's University has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 12.8% at Saint Martin's University.

PLU vs. Saint Martin's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Saint Martin's 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).

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Saint Martin's University's (48%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Saint Martin's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $48,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Martin's University graduates have a $800 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Saint Martin's University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Martin's University 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.