Pacific Lutheran University
- 7/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Tacoma, WA
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3.3 3 reviews
Overview
Total enrollment
2,797- Location Tacoma, Washington
- Website plu.edu
- Type Private 4 Year
- Setting Large Suburban
- Religious Affiliation Evangelical Lutheran Church
Best Colleges Rank
#395- Size Small
- Status Non-profit
- Housing Yes
- Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
Pacific Lutheran University occupies a 156-acre woodland campus in Parkland, a suburban community approximately seven miles south of downtown Tacoma, Washington. Founded in 1890 by Norwegian Lutheran pioneers, PLU maintains its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America while operating as a private liberal arts institution. The university combines traditional brick architecture with Pacific Northwest environmental elements, featuring buildings arranged around a central campus core that includes a notable outdoor amphitheater. PLU is recognized for its programs in nursing, business, education, and music, with the School of Nursing being one of the region's earliest nursing education programs. Residential students are housed in traditional residence halls and suite-style apartments, while the university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Lutes, primarily in the Northwest Conference.
Ratings
PLU is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.
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Overall Rating7 out of 10
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Academics7 out of 10
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Resources7 out of 10
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Outcomes7 out of 10
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Value9 out of 10
Rankings
Rankings for Pacific Lutheran University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
Admissions
Admission Standards
- SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1040/1260
- ACT (enrolled mid-50) 22/28
- GPA 3.71
Acceptance Rate
- Applications Due Aug 15, 2027
- Enrollment Rate 14.1%
- Application Fee $0
Applicant Competition Very Low
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
$52,254Student Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
Popular majors at Pacific Lutheran University are Business, Social Sciences, and Health Professions. 14% of students major in Business, 12% in Social Sciences, and 8% in Health Professions.
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Business 14%
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Social Sciences 12%
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Health Professions 8%
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Communication 7%
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Education 6%
More Colleges to Consider
Students considering Pacific Lutheran University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=236230.
GPA calculator: Pacific Lutheran University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026