PLU vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PLU vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U ($22,299 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 17.2% lower than at Seattle University ($13,008 vs. $15,702).
• Seattle University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLU (about $4,467 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Seattle U than at Pacific Lutheran University (about $4,467 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 14.8% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($40,573 vs. $35,351).

PLU vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 170 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming Seattle U students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

PLU vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Seattle U? 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 University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $1,300 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($253 vs. $266).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.