University of Portland vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Portland is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (3,285 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Portland is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Portland 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 Portland 9:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

University of Portland vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Portland 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 Portland ($22,299 vs. $30,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 24.6% lower than at University of Portland ($13,008 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLU (about $5,846 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at University of Portland than at Pacific Lutheran University (about $5,846 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Portland than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 4.8% larger than aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students ($42,538 vs. $40,573).

University of Portland vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Portland 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 Portland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Portland (1270) is 120 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming University of Portland students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Portland 1160/1370; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Portland 25/31; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Portland - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Portland Jan 15, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at University of Portland (3.66).
• University of Portland has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at University of Portland vs. 14.1% at PLU.

University of Portland vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Portland 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).

• University of Portland's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from University of Portland earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Portland graduates have a $1,487 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($24,313 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, University of Portland graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($251 vs. $266).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.