Principia College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois 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 Principia College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Principia College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College 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 Principia College than PLU ($18,248 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 6.5% lower than at Principia College ($13,008 vs. $13,910).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 50.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $17,574 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.7% higher at PLU than at Principia College (about $17,574 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Principia College (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Principia College students ($40,573 vs. $30,402).

Principia College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College 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 Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is the same as at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College 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).

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.