Waynesburg College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, 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 Waynesburg College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,231 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Waynesburg College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Waynesburg College 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 Waynesburg University than PLU ($18,667 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 5.7% lower than at Waynesburg University ($13,008 vs. $13,790).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 71.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Waynesburg College (about $21,774 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $30,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.4% higher at PLU than at Waynesburg University (about $21,774 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $30,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Waynesburg University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 62.5% larger than aid received by Waynesburg University students ($40,573 vs. $24,971).

Waynesburg College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Waynesburg College 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 Waynesburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 60 points higher than at Waynesburg College (1090).
• Incoming PLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Waynesburg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Waynesburg University 930/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Waynesburg University 19/23; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Waynesburg College - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Waynesburg College (3.64).
• Waynesburg College has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19% at Waynesburg College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Waynesburg College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Waynesburg College 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 Waynesburg University's (57%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Waynesburg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Waynesburg College graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Waynesburg College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Waynesburg College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 73%)

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.