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Back to Institutions
PL

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WAPrivate NonprofitSuburb Setting
Less Selective • 78% Acceptance
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Add to list:
78%
Accept Rate
Less Selective
$19,589
Avg Net Cost
After financial aid
2.4K
Students
Medium campus body
$52,212
Median Earnings
6 Years Post-Graduation

Overview & Identity

Pacific Lutheran University is a private nonprofit institution located in the suburb setting of Tacoma, WA. The university supports an undergraduate student body of 2.4K students and has an admission acceptance rate of 78%.

Quick Facts

Institution Type
Private Nonprofit
Student Population
2.4K (Medium)
Admissions Selectivity
78% (Less Selective)
Predominant Degree
Bachelor's
Locale / Setting
Suburb

Admissions & Academics

Admitted Student Scores

SAT Reading540 - 660
200typical 50% range800
SAT Math500 - 600
200typical 50% range800
ACT Composite22 - 28
1typical 50% range36
78%
Acceptance Rate
Less Selective

Top Majors & Programs

Health Sciences22% of degrees
Social Sciences10% of degrees
Business & Marketing10% of degrees
Biological Sciences7% of degrees

Programs / Fields of Study

Program
Credential
Earnings 4yr
Earnings 5yr
Debt
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $128,703
Earnings 5yr: $105,430
Debt: $23,534
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $101,335
Earnings 5yr: $108,525
Debt: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $100,684
Earnings 5yr: $93,392
Debt: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $91,528
Earnings 5yr: $86,344
Debt: $29,000
Mathematics.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $78,056
Earnings 5yr: $79,444
Debt: $20,427
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $77,198
Earnings 5yr: $74,553
Debt: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $75,576
Earnings 5yr: $70,355
Debt: $20,959
Political Science and Government.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $69,366
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: $20,250
Social Work.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $67,458
Earnings 5yr: $58,933
Debt: $26,000
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $66,848
Earnings 5yr: $62,293
Debt: $19,500
Chemistry.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $59,993
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: $23,000
Sociology.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $59,853
Earnings 5yr: $58,698
Debt: $21,000
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $58,472
Earnings 5yr: $63,740
Debt: N/A
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $58,052
Earnings 5yr: $59,999
Debt: N/A
Communication and Media Studies.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $57,317
Earnings 5yr: $59,869
Debt: $25,499
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $55,178
Earnings 5yr: $45,541
Debt: $20,500
Psychology, General.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $55,118
Earnings 5yr: $52,603
Debt: $22,500
Biology, General.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $53,077
Earnings 5yr: $49,616
Debt: $22,626
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $52,113
Earnings 5yr: $61,136
Debt: $25,536
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $44,459
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: $24,125

Tuition & Cost Portrait

Avg Net Price$19,589
In-State Tuition$52,254
Out-of-State Tuition$52,254
Net Price DifferentiatorAverage Net Price is what typical families actually pay out of pocket after receiving federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships. It provides a more accurate metric of affordability than the sticker tuition.

Financial Assistance & Support

35%
Pell Grants
44%
Take Loans
75%
Repayment

Student Outcomes & ROI

Earnings Milestones Post-Graduation

6 Years Post-Entry
$52,212
+28% growth
10 Years Post-Entry
$66,990

Completion Signals

69%
Graduation Rate
4-Year Completion
82%
Retention Rate
1st-to-2nd Year Return
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,074
Est. Monthly Payment
$184/mo
Based on standard 10yr path

Campus & Demographics

Student Demographics & Community

Diversity Mix

Hover or tap a bubble above to explore detailed community insights.

Gender Balance

36%
Men
64%
Women
The campus gender distribution displays a split of 36% men and 64% women.

Student Vitals

First-Gen Share
30%
Part-Time Share
2%
Avg Family Income
$74,722
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