PLU vs. Whitworth University

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Whitworth University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Whitworth University is in Spokane, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitworth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Whitworth University 11:1.

PLU vs. Whitworth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLU or Whitworth 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 Whitworth University ($22,299 vs. $27,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 9% lower than at Whitworth University ($13,008 vs. $14,300).
• Whitworth University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLU (about $626 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Whitworth University than at Pacific Lutheran University (about $626 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Whitworth University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitworth University students is 1.1% larger than aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students ($41,007 vs. $40,573).

PLU vs. Whitworth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLU or Whitworth 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 Whitworth University and PLU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitworth University (1210) is 60 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Whitworth University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260; Whitworth University 1090/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Lutheran University 22/28; Whitworth University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLU - Test optional; Whitworth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Whitworth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitworth University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at PLU (3.71).
• Whitworth University has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 13.9% at Whitworth University.

PLU vs. Whitworth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLU and Whitworth 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).

• Whitworth University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Whitworth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $200 lower median loan debt than Whitworth University graduates ($25,800 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whitworth University graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whitworth 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.