W&J vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA 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 W&J based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington & Jefferson College is located in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington & Jefferson College 11:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

W&J vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, W&J 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 W&J ($22,299 vs. $22,702).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 11.6% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($13,008 vs. $14,710).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 77.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $22,862 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.8% higher at PLU than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $22,862 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 101.3% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($40,573 vs. $20,152).

W&J vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, W&J 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 W&J.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 20 points higher than at W&J (1130).
• Incoming PLU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington & Jefferson College 19/28; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: W&J - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at W&J (3.54).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at W&J vs. 14.1% at PLU.

W&J vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for W&J 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than PLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $52,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.