PLU vs. Visible Music College

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA with Visible Music College in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Visible Music College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 89 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Visible Music College is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Visible Music College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Visible Music College 6:1.

PLU vs. Visible Music College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Visible Music College? 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 Visible Music College ($22,299 vs. $27,045).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Visible Music College are 46.2% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($7,000 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 137.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Visible Music College (about $30,254 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $22,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 137.5% higher at PLU than at Visible Music College (about $30,254 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $22,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Visible Music College (98% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 825.1% larger than aid received by Visible Music College students ($40,573 vs. $4,386).

PLU vs. Visible Music College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLU or Visible Music College? 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 Visible Music College and PLU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 220 points higher than at Visible Music College (930).
• Incoming PLU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Visible Music College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Visible Music College 605/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Visible Music College 17/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Visible Music College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Visible Music College (28%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 51.4% at Visible Music College.

PLU vs. Visible Music College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Visible Music College? 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 Visible Music College's (20%).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Visible Music College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

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.