University of Mount Union vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH 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 University of Mount Union based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,461 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Mount Union is located in Alliance, OH (Distant Town setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Mount Union is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Mount Union 15:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

University of Mount Union vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Mount Union 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 University of Mount Union ($22,299 vs. $23,616).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mount Union are 2.2% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($12,720 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 42.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Mount Union (about $15,654 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.8% higher at PLU than at University of Mount Union (about $15,654 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mount Union than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 58.5% larger than aid received by University of Mount Union students ($40,573 vs. $25,597).

University of Mount Union vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Mount Union 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 University of Mount Union.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 70 points higher than at University of Mount Union (1080).
• Incoming PLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at University of Mount Union).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mount Union 910/1240; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mount Union 18/25; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Mount Union - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at University of Mount Union (3.33).
• University of Mount Union has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Mount Union vs. 14.1% at PLU.

University of Mount Union vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Mount Union 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 Mount Union's (65%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than University of Mount Union graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than University of Mount Union graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Mount Union graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Mount Union students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.