At $21,370/yr net price, Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn $66,990/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,990/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,370 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,480 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,990/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,990/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,578 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,847/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,035/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,653/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,898/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,289/yr |
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 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
71.0% of students at Pacific Lutheran University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pacific Lutheran University offers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $66,990 ten years after graduation against manageable debt levels averaging $22,578. The school's nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning over $90,000 annually, though nursing students should expect to graduate with significantly higher debt loads of $82,634.
Computer science represents the best debt-to-earnings ratio at PLU, with graduates earning $69,338 while carrying just $23,534 in debt. Business and education majors face more challenging financial math, earning in the $54,000-$61,000 range while accumulating $35,000-$39,000 in debt. These programs may struggle to justify their costs compared to stronger alternatives at other regional schools.
Your biggest financial risk at PLU lies in the 29% of students who don't graduate within six years, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 79% retention rate suggests some students struggle academically or financially early on. Given the relatively low percentage of students receiving aid at 33%, merit scholarships may be limited for middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based assistance.
PLU makes financial sense if you can get into nursing or computer science programs, or if you receive substantial merit aid that brings your net cost well below the $21,370 average. The school works best for Washington residents who want a private college experience without elite private school debt levels. Students considering education or general business degrees should compare carefully with public alternatives that offer similar career outcomes at lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Lutheran University worth the cost?
Pacific Lutheran University offers decent value for students in nursing and computer science programs, with nursing graduates earning over $90,000 annually. However, with a 71% graduation rate and median earnings of $67,000 after 10 years, the ROI is average compared to other private colleges.
What are the highest paying majors at Pacific Lutheran University?
Nursing programs at Pacific Lutheran University lead in earnings with graduates making around $92,600 annually, followed by computer science at $69,300. Education majors earn significantly less at $54,000, which may make loan repayment challenging.
How much debt do Pacific Lutheran University graduates have?
Pacific Lutheran University graduates carry a median debt of $22,578, which is manageable for nursing and computer science majors but could strain graduates in lower-paying fields like education. The net price of $21,370 per year helps keep total debt relatively low.
Does Pacific Lutheran University have good financial aid?
Pacific Lutheran University's net price of $21,370 annually suggests decent financial aid packaging for a private college. This makes the school more accessible than many private institutions, though students should still carefully consider their major's earning potential.