Idaho vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Idaho in Moscow, ID with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Idaho is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (12,286 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Idaho is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Idaho 18:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Idaho vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho 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 University of Idaho than PLU ($15,111 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 13.6% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($11,243 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 475.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Idaho (about $43,170 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $9,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.5% higher at PLU than at University of Idaho (about $23,934 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $28,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at University of Idaho (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 222.8% larger than aid received by University of Idaho students ($40,573 vs. $12,568).

Idaho vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Idaho 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 Idaho.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 40 points higher than at Idaho (1110).
• Incoming PLU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Idaho).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 990/1230; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Idaho (3.47).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Idaho (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Idaho vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho 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 University of Idaho's (51%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Idaho graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Idaho graduates have a $1,521 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($24,279 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Idaho graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($251 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Idaho students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 61%)

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.