Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 79.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $66,990
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,578
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 | $82,634 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $23,534 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,875 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,064 | $39,150 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $54,053 | $34,896 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,556 | $20,750 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $46,087 | $72,057 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,082 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $44,551 | $29,740 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $43,426 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $37,054 | $21,969 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,674 | $20,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,420 | $20,825 |
Outcomes Overview
PLU graduates enter the workforce with median debt of $22,578 and earn $66,990 ten years out, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 34%. Monthly loan payments of $239 represent just 4% of typical graduate income. The university's 95.3% employment rate reflects strong demand for PLU alumni in education, healthcare, and social services. Many nursing graduates find immediate placement in Seattle-area hospitals, while education majors often secure teaching positions throughout the Pacific Northwest. The 71% six-year graduation rate ensures most students complete their degrees without accumulating excessive debt. Given the reasonable debt burden, solid employment outcomes, and competitive salaries in high-demand fields, PLU offers a strong return on investment for students committed to service-oriented careers.