PLU vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

PLU vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or SPU? 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 SPU ($22,299 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 21.1% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($13,008 vs. $16,491).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 29.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $11,847 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.3% higher at PLU than at Seattle Pacific University (about $11,847 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at Pacific Lutheran University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 28.6% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($40,573 vs. $31,558).

PLU vs. SPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle Pacific University (1190) is 40 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 15.8% at SPU.

PLU vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and SPU? 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).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $197 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,603 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($264 vs. $266).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.