University of Redlands vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Redlands is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (3,087 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Redlands is located in Redlands, CA (Small City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Redlands 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 Redlands 10:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

University of Redlands vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Redlands 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 Redlands ($22,299 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 28.6% lower than at University of Redlands ($13,008 vs. $18,208).
• University of Redlands is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLU (about $8,624 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at University of Redlands than at Pacific Lutheran University (about $8,624 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $52,254.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands as at Pacific Lutheran University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 18.6% larger than aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students ($48,134 vs. $40,573).

University of Redlands vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Redlands (1230) is 80 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at University of Redlands).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Redlands 1107/1350; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Redlands 21/28; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Redlands - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Redlands students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at PLU (3.71).
• University of Redlands has a higher acceptance rate (82.7%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at University of Redlands vs. 14.1% at PLU.

University of Redlands vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Redlands 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 Redlands's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from University of Redlands earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,400 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $2,700 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($25,800 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($266 vs. $294).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Redlands students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 69%)

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.