PLU vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PLU vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound ($22,299 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 21.2% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($13,008 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 20.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLU (about $10,644 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.4% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Pacific Lutheran University (about $10,644 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound than at Pacific Lutheran University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 15.3% larger than aid received by University of Puget Sound students ($40,573 vs. $35,179).

PLU vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLU or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound and PLU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 130 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

PLU vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and University of Puget Sound? 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).

• University of Puget Sound's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.