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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private liberal arts institution located in Tacoma, Washington. Founded in 1890, PLU has a strong reputation for its focus on educating the whole person and preparing students for lives of service, leadership, and success. With a student population of over 3,100 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, PLU ensures that students receive personalized attention and engage in meaningful interactions with faculty and peers.

At PLU, students have access to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business, education, and more. The university is particularly known for its programs in nursing, business administration, education, and environmental studies. PLU is committed to experiential learning, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings through internships, research, and community engagement. This hands-on approach helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Furthermore, PLU values diversity and inclusivity, fostering an inclusive community where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The campus provides numerous opportunities for involvement, such as student-led organizations, clubs, and activities that cater to diverse interests, passions, and cultures. With a strong commitment to sustainability, PLU has been awarded multiple accolades for its environmental initiatives, including having a LEED Gold-certified major building and significant carbon neutrality efforts. Overall, Pacific Lutheran University offers a supportive and well-rounded education that prepares students to make positive contributions to their communities and succeed in their chosen fields.

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university located in Tacoma, WA and set in a suburban environment. This institution follows a 4-1-4 calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 80%. The freshman retention rate at Pacific Lutheran University is 79% and the six-year graduation rate is 71%.

The freshmen application deadline for this school is August 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is July 1.

Here are some latest data on important things to consider about Pacific Lutheran University.

Quick Facts

2,393

Total Number of Undergraduate Students

80%

Acceptance Rate

$50,720

Tuition

12:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

71%

Graduation Rate

Admissions

Discovering as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission improves your chances of getting admitted. Here are the most vital information you should know about admission policy and requirements at Pacific Lutheran University.

In 2024, the school accepted 3,332 new students. Pacific Lutheran University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant chooses to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.

Test Scores

7% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 4% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 7% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 30% between 1,200 and 1,399, 35% between 1,000 and 1,199, 26% between 800 and 999, and 2% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 21, 33 between 24-29, 38 in the range between 18-23, and 8 between 12-17.

The ACT composite average score for all the admitted students in 2024 was 28 while the average GPA was 3.7. Therefore, the chances are that you'll need a GPA higher than the average for acceptance, and the same goes for your ACT score.

The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 672 and an average SAT Math score of 655.

Average Test Scores
1325 SAT Range
400 1600
28 ACT Range
1 36
3.7 GPA Range
0 4

Deadlines

The deadline for submitting applications to Pacific Lutheran University is August 1. If you are thinking about applying as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is July 1.

80%

Acceptance Rate

Retention Rate

The percentage of freshmen at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. Why is that information important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.

The freshman retention rate for Pacific Lutheran University was 79% in 2024, indicative of the exceptional educational experience and supportive environment at this school.

The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 71%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.

Student Body

Making the choice of which school is the best match for you is not simple. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.

Main Student Body

In 2024, the institution had an enrollment of 2,737 students.

The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 19% for that year. There was a total of 2,393 undergraduate students, including 85 international students. 216 students enrolled as transfer students.

Student Population Gender Ratio

The student body is coeducational, with 868 male and 1,577 female full-time students in 2024. 62 full-time graduate men and 160 full-time graduate women attended this school.

Student Population Diversity

In order to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Pacific Lutheran University.

In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 267, and the number of Afro-American students was 115. 441 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 265 as multirace. The school also had 57 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 20 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 21 students whose ethnicity is unknown.

Cost

Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some details you should know about the expenses at Pacific Lutheran University that the majority of students face.

Tuition and Fees

Wondering about tuition at Pacific Lutheran University? Here is what you need to know.

Tuition in 2024 was $50,720 for full-time domestic students. Pacific Lutheran University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students totaled $820 in 2024.

Books and Supplies

The estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another important expense. Most students have to give about $785 for books and supplies during their time at Pacific Lutheran University.

Boarding

The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. How much do room and board fees average around at schools?

The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Pacific Lutheran University was $13,008 in 2024. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 came to $5,977 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $5,977.

Tuition $ 50,720
Room and Board $ 13,008
Book and Supplies $ 785
Total Expense $ 64,513

Financial Aid

Financial help for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based aid you might get at Pacific Lutheran University.

According to the most recent data, 342 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average financial aid package awarded to students amounted to $45,895.

Need-based

Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.

1,305 students obtained some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 1,317. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $4,673,236, and state $8,135,066. The students of Pacific Lutheran University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $56,253,773, and external in the amount of $2,550,994.

$28,883

Average Amount of Aid Received

Non-Need Based

Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.

Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 655 students overall (including freshmen) at Pacific Lutheran University in 2024. 174 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $9,139,812. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $545,042 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).

Majors

Faculty

12:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.

In 2024, this ratio at Pacific Lutheran University was 12:1. That means that there were 12 times more students than teachers at this school. This school has recently reported to have 281 faculty members. This number included 101 men and 168 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Pacific Lutheran University.

Student Population Diversity Graph

30% Male Faculty
0
100
70% Female Faculty
0
100

Campus Life

It is not all about learning and grades at Pacific Lutheran University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Find out some details about students' life at Pacific Lutheran University.

It has a campus size of 156 acres.

Student Organizations

A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.

There are 60 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. The most popular student organization is Anime Club, followed by Ultimate Frisbee and Prism Club. Other popular student organizations at this school are Swing Club and Chemistry Club.

There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. Interested in media and communication? Pacific Lutheran University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.

Student Services

At Pacific Lutheran University, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.

There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a 24-hour security patrol. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.

There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Pacific Lutheran University.

All in all, campus life at Pacific Lutheran University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.

Career Services

Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Pacific Lutheran University.

Career Counselling

At Pacific Lutheran University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career.

FAQ

Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA.

Pacific Lutheran University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.

The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Pacific Lutheran University is 50,720 USD, based on the most recent data.

This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.

The most recent reported acceptance rate for Pacific Lutheran University is 80%.

The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Pacific Lutheran University is 79%.

Contact Information

Pacific Lutheran University,

12180 Park Ave S

Tacoma, WA

98447

253 535-7411

School Website

Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.

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