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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, Washington — 12180 Park Ave South, 98447-0003

Annual Tuition $50,964
Enrollment 2,350
Acceptance Rate 80.5%
Median Salary $66,990

Pacific Lutheran University is a leading Private nonprofit institution located in Tacoma, Washington. Established to provide high-quality education, Pacific Lutheran University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Pacific Lutheran University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Tacoma, Washington
Type Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment 2,350 students
Median Salary $66,990

Pacific Lutheran University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Pacific Lutheran University
Location Tacoma, Washington
Official Website https://www.plu.edu/
Address 12180 Park Ave South
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003
Institution Type Private nonprofit
Total Students 2,350

Pacific Lutheran University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 80.5% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,152 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 25 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math — 473 628
Evidence-Based Reading — 515 630
ACT Math 24 midpoint
ACT English 25 midpoint

Pacific Lutheran University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $50,964
Out-of-State Tuition $50,964
Pell Grant Rate 32.8%
Median Debt (Completers) $22,578

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

80.5% acceptance rate

Is Pacific Lutheran University hard to get into?

SAT score range

988 - 1,258

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math473 - 628
Reading515 - 630

ACT score range

21 - 27

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Pacific Lutheran University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Pacific Lutheran University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $92,632 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $89,189 4yr: $105,624
2

Computer and Information Sciences, General. salary after Pacific Lutheran University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,338 median/yr
Median debt $23,534 at graduation
Salary/debt 295% ROI ratio
1yr: $78,055 4yr: $102,752
3

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Pacific Lutheran University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $68,875 median/yr
Median debt $29,000 at graduation
Salary/debt 238% ROI ratio
1yr: $81,761 4yr: $76,825

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Pacific Lutheran University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

80.5% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 2,350
Undergrad 2,006
Retention Rate 79.4% full-time
Full-Time Students 97.9%

Courses and Academic Programs at Pacific Lutheran University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 176
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 162
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Master's
Graduates 99
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 94
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 87
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 71
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Master's
Graduates 60
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 55
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 51
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Master's
Graduates 51
Showing top 10 of 44 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Pacific Lutheran University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $66,990 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $52,212
Graduation Rate 71% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Pacific Lutheran University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $52,212
10 Years After Entry $66,990
Is Pacific Lutheran University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $21,370
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $66,990
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 143100%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Pacific Lutheran University

Total Students 2,350
Undergrad 2,006
Graduate 344
Retention Rate 79.4% full-time

Gender Breakdown

63.8%
36.2%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 97.9%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
45.9%
Hispanic
18.8%
Asian
11.4%
Two or More Races
11.3%
Black
4.9%
International
3.6%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
2.4%
Unknown / Unreported
0.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 29.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 51.7%
💍
Married Students 7.4%
📅
Students Age 25+ 8.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $65,366
Average Family Income $74,721
Median Family Income $59,189

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

37.5%
62.5%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 32.8% of students
Federal Loan Rate 44% of students
Avg Net Price $21,370 after aid
Median Debt $22,578 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $22,578
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $10,000
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $29,876

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Pacific Lutheran University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Pacific Lutheran University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Private nonprofit
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 71%
Median Graduate Salary $66,990
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Pacific Lutheran University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Pacific Lutheran University

Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Lutheran University

What is the acceptance rate at Pacific Lutheran University?

Pacific Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 80.5%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Pacific Lutheran University?

Tuition at Pacific Lutheran University is $50,964 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Pacific Lutheran University?

Graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median salary of $66,990 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Pacific Lutheran University located?

Pacific Lutheran University is located at 12180 Park Ave South, Tacoma, Washington 98447-0003. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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