Piedmont University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Piedmont University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Piedmont University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Piedmont University or PLU? 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 Piedmont University than PLU ($22,252 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 0.7% lower than at Piedmont University ($13,008 vs. $13,100).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 64.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Piedmont University (about $20,554 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $31,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.8% higher at PLU than at Piedmont University (about $20,554 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $31,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Piedmont University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 64.8% larger than aid received by Piedmont University students ($40,573 vs. $24,618).

Piedmont University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Piedmont University (1140).
• Incoming PLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Piedmont University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Piedmont University 1038/1245; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Piedmont University 18/25; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Piedmont University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Piedmont University Jul 15, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Piedmont University (3.54).
• Piedmont University has a higher acceptance rate (93.3%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Piedmont University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Piedmont University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Piedmont University and PLU? 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 Piedmont University's (46%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Piedmont University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Piedmont University graduates have a $2,064 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($23,736 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Piedmont University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($245 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Piedmont University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 44%)

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.