About Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University builds strong communities around academic excellence and Lutheran values. This liberal arts institution enrolls 2,350 students on a suburban campus outside Tacoma, making it large enough for diverse programs but small enough for personal attention. The university is particularly respected for its education and nursing programs, which prepare graduates for meaningful service careers. Notable alumni include Gary Locke, who served as U.S. Ambassador to China, and philanthropist Mary Bridge, founder of the children's hospital bearing her name.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility and return on investment. While tuition approaches $51,000, the average net price drops to just $21,370 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $66,990 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,578 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average $239, a reasonable burden given the strong employment outcomes.
The student body skews female at nearly 64%, reflecting the university's strength in education and healthcare fields. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The campus houses 1,382 students in residence halls, creating the tight-knit community that defines the PLU experience. Athletic teams compete in Division III as the Lutes, emphasizing academics over athletics.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility and return on investment. While tuition approaches $51,000, the average net price drops to just $21,370 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $66,990 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,578 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average $239, a reasonable burden given the strong employment outcomes.
The student body skews female at nearly 64%, reflecting the university's strength in education and healthcare fields. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The campus houses 1,382 students in residence halls, creating the tight-knit community that defines the PLU experience. Athletic teams compete in Division III as the Lutes, emphasizing academics over athletics.
Academics & Faculty
Pacific Lutheran University builds its academic reputation around strong liberal arts education with standout programs in education and nursing. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name and provide personalized mentorship. PLU's education program consistently produces teachers who shape classrooms across the Pacific Northwest. The nursing school prepares students for high-demand healthcare careers with hands-on clinical experience. A 71% four-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students need extra time to complete demanding programs. The university's Lutheran heritage emphasizes service learning and ethical leadership across all majors. Students benefit from small class sizes that encourage discussion and critical thinking rather than lecture-hall anonymity.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 79.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,990
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,064 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $54,053 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,556 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $46,087 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,082 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $44,551 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
Campus Life
Pacific Lutheran University sits on 126 acres in Tacoma's Parkland neighborhood, just 45 minutes south of Seattle. Students need rain jackets more than heavy winter coats in this mild Pacific Northwest climate. About 59% of the 2,350 students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 1,382 students total.
The close-knit Lutheran community creates a family atmosphere where professors know students by name thanks to the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Weekend activities center around outdoor adventures like hiking Mount Rainier or exploring Puget Sound beaches. Students also frequent Tacoma's growing arts district or catch Seattle Mariners games. The Four-One-Four academic calendar gives students a month-long January term for intensive courses or study abroad programs.
Campus traditions include the annual Lutefisk dinner celebrating Norwegian heritage and service trips that reflect PLU's commitment to social justice. With 17 varsity sports and 415 student-athletes competing as the Lutes, games draw solid crowds despite being Division III. The 63.79% female student body creates a supportive environment, especially in popular nursing and education programs.
The close-knit Lutheran community creates a family atmosphere where professors know students by name thanks to the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Weekend activities center around outdoor adventures like hiking Mount Rainier or exploring Puget Sound beaches. Students also frequent Tacoma's growing arts district or catch Seattle Mariners games. The Four-One-Four academic calendar gives students a month-long January term for intensive courses or study abroad programs.
Campus traditions include the annual Lutefisk dinner celebrating Norwegian heritage and service trips that reflect PLU's commitment to social justice. With 17 varsity sports and 415 student-athletes competing as the Lutes, games draw solid crowds despite being Division III. The 63.79% female student body creates a supportive environment, especially in popular nursing and education programs.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,382 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
118 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 49 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Burglary | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 5.6"
Student Demographics
Pacific Lutheran draws primarily local students, with three-quarters coming from Washington state. The strong regional pull reflects the university's deep roots in the Lutheran community and reputation for quality education and nursing programs. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, largely due to PLU's highly regarded nursing and education majors. The campus brings together a diverse mix of backgrounds, with students of color comprising over a third of enrollment. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing PLU's commitment to making Lutheran liberal arts education accessible to working-class families.
- Men
- 36.2%
- Women
- 63.8%
- White
- 45.9%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 18.8%
- Asian
- 11.4%
- In-State Students
- 75.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.8%
Location
Pacific Lutheran University sits in Tacoma, Washington, about 30 miles south of Seattle. The campus occupies 156 acres in a large suburban setting with views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Tacoma itself is Washington's third-largest city with around 220,000 residents, offering urban amenities while maintaining a manageable scale. The Pacific Northwest location means students experience mild, wet winters and dry summers typical of the region. With 75.72% of students coming from in-state, many are already familiar with the area's outdoor recreation opportunities and coffee culture. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for a January term that many students use for study abroad or internships in nearby Seattle. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Pacific Lutheran University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Tacoma, Washington 98447-0003
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,990
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,668
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,578
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pacific Lutheran University?
Pacific Lutheran University accepts 88.90% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1338, reflecting the university's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds into its Lutheran liberal arts community.
How much does Pacific Lutheran University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Pacific Lutheran University is $21,370, lower than the full tuition of $50,964. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,847 on average, while the university provides institutional grants averaging $36,435 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pacific Lutheran University?
Pacific Lutheran University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,350 total students. The university is particularly known for its strong education and nursing programs, benefiting from small class sizes that foster close mentoring relationships.
What are the career outcomes for Pacific Lutheran University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $66,990 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.3% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $22,578 in debt and monthly loan payments of $239, reflecting the university's focus on practical career preparation.
Where is Pacific Lutheran University located and what is campus life like?
Pacific Lutheran University sits in suburban Tacoma, Washington, housing 1,382 students in on-campus facilities. The close-knit campus community includes 415 student athletes competing in 17 NCAA Division III sports as the Lutes, with women comprising 63.79% of the student body.
Does Pacific Lutheran University have a religious affiliation?
Pacific Lutheran University was founded in 1890 as an Evangelical Lutheran institution and maintains its religious heritage today. The university operates on a Four-One-Four calendar system and draws 75.72% of its students from Washington state, creating a community rooted in Lutheran values and Pacific Northwest culture.
