PLU vs. UWT

Comparable Facts

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

University of Washington Tacoma Campus is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (4,965 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); University of Washington Tacoma Campus is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; University of Washington Tacoma Campus 15:1.

PLU vs. UWT Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or UWT? 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 University of Washington Tacoma Campus than PLU ($13,898 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 20.5% lower than at University of Washington Tacoma Campus ($13,008 vs. $16,371).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 296.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UWT (about $39,086 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $13,168.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.4% higher at PLU than at University of Washington Tacoma Campus (about $8,850 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $43,404.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at University of Washington Tacoma Campus (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 233.6% larger than aid received by University of Washington Tacoma Campus students ($40,573 vs. $12,161).

PLU vs. UWT Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 80 points higher than at UWT (1070).
• Incoming PLU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at UWT).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; University of Washington Tacoma Campus 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; University of Washington Tacoma Campus 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; UWT - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; UWT Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at UWT (3.41).
• UWT has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 21.5% at UWT.

PLU vs. UWT Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and UWT? 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).

• Graduates from University of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Washington Tacoma Campus graduates have a $10,800 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, UWT graduates have an estimated $111 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($155 vs. $266).
• More UWT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.