PLU vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Washington University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

PLU vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Western Washington University? 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 Western Washington University ($22,299 vs. $24,338).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 17.4% lower than at Western Washington University ($13,008 vs. $15,747).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 445.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $42,672 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82% higher at PLU than at Western Washington University (about $23,547 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Western Washington University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 487.8% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($40,573 vs. $6,902).

PLU vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Washington University (1270) is 120 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming Western Washington University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

PLU vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Western Washington University? 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).

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Western Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $6,387 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($19,413 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($200 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Washington University 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.