PLU vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

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

Washington State University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PLU vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Washington State? 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 Washington State University than PLU ($18,171 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 4.5% lower than at Washington State University ($13,008 vs. $13,622).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 290.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington State (about $38,863 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $13,391.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.5% higher at PLU than at Washington State University (about $22,304 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Washington State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 272.7% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($40,573 vs. $10,886).

PLU vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 30 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming PLU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Washington State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Washington State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Washington State (3.5).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

PLU vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Washington State? 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).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $5,371 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($20,429 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($211 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington State students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

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.