SVU vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, VA 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 SVU based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Virginia University is located in Buena Vista, VA (Distant Town setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Virginia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Virginia University 14:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

SVU vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SVU 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 SVU ($22,299 vs. $24,561).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Virginia University are 23.9% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($9,894 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 145.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SVU (about $30,974 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 145.6% higher at PLU than at Southern Virginia University (about $30,974 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Virginia University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 304.1% larger than aid received by Southern Virginia University students ($40,573 vs. $10,041).

SVU vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SVU 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 SVU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 50 points higher than at SVU (1100).
• Incoming PLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at SVU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Virginia University 943/1253; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Virginia University 18/25; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SVU - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at SVU (3.19).
• SVU has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at SVU vs. 14.1% at PLU.

SVU vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SVU 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 Southern Virginia University's (25%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than SVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Virginia University graduates have a $2,146 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($23,654 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, SVU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($244 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SVU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 53%)

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.