Saint Anselm College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH 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 Saint Anselm College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,111 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Anselm College is located in Manchester, NH (Midsize Suburban setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Saint Anselm College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Anselm College 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Saint Anselm College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Anselm 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 Pacific Lutheran University than Saint Anselm College ($22,299 vs. $35,551).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 23.6% lower than at Saint Anselm College ($13,008 vs. $17,020).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 6.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Anselm College (about $3,334 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $48,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at PLU than at Saint Anselm College (about $3,334 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $48,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Anselm College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 28% larger than aid received by Saint Anselm College students ($40,573 vs. $31,704).

Saint Anselm College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Anselm 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 Saint Anselm College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Anselm College (1190) is 40 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming Saint Anselm College 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: Saint Anselm College 1110/1278; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Anselm College 24/30; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Anselm College - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Saint Anselm College Feb 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Saint Anselm College (3.39).
• Saint Anselm College has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at Saint Anselm College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Saint Anselm College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Anselm 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).

• Saint Anselm College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Saint Anselm College earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,100 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Saint Anselm College graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Anselm College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Saint Anselm College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 74%)

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.