Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Online | plu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, is a private liberal arts university founded by Norwegian Lutheran pioneers in 1890. The institution is situated approximately 40 miles south of Seattle and offers a suburban campus environment characterized by its Pacific Northwest architecture, including the prominent use of brickwork and expansive green spaces. PLU provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strong emphases on the liberal arts and professional studies. Notably, its School of Arts and Communication and the School of Business are two of its more recognized academic areas. The university?s curriculum also supports a variety of international study options, reflecting its Lutheran heritage and commitment to global education. Pacific Lutheran University maintains a moderately selective admissions process, catering to a diverse student body seeking an education rooted in both tradition and innovation. Residential life is a significant aspect of the student experience at PLU, with various housing options available on campus. While athletics may not define the institution, PLU does participate in NCAA Division III sports as the Lutes, offering a range of varsity athletic teams.
In the most recent statistical year 3,334 prospective students applied, and 2,964 were granted admission. Of those admitted 526 enrolled in the school. 2,419 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 214 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $49,472 plus fees of $1,456. PLU is ranked 311 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
PLU is rated within the top 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Pacific Lutheran University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#311 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#227 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in Washington
#7 in Best Private Colleges in Washington
#186 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Washington
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1253/1423 |
| ACT | 27/30 |
| GPA | 3.71 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $702 |
| Other Fees | $1,456 |
| Room and Board | $11,826 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,448 |
| Total One Year Cost | $65,904 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 14% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Education | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Pacific Lutheran University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=236230 IPEDS survey data for Pacific Lutheran University.
Current students may use the Pacific Lutheran University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024