SAU vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI 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 SAU based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

SAU vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU 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 Spring Arbor University than PLU ($21,067 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 12.1% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($11,440 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 53.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $18,240 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.6% higher at PLU than at Spring Arbor University (about $18,240 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 69.9% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($40,573 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU 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 SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at SAU (3.61).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 14.1% at PLU.

SAU vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU 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 Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,757 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($248 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

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.