Pacific Lutheran University

No College Consensus
•AVERAGE: 69

No Publisher Consensus
•AVERAGE: 58.7

74.7

Student Consensus
•AVERAGE: 76.8

Publisher Ratings

90.6

U.S. News - Regional Universities West

75.4

Washington Monthly Masters

Student Reviews

79.1

70.8

Scores last updated on January 6, 2024

89%

Percent Admitted

63%

4-year Graduation Rate

2,633

Enrollment

11.0:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

$33,815

Average Undergraduate Students Aid

$50,928

In-State Tuition and Fees

$50,928

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

= Average

Sector

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Carnegie Classification

Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs

Religious Affiliation

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Pacific Lutheran University is a private 4-year school located in Parkland, WA. The school was founded by Norwegian Lutheran pioneers in 1890; in 1898 the university’s name was changed to Pacific Lutheran Academy and Business College. The school was reorganized as a university in 1960 and restored to its original (and present) name. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, PLU is set on over 150 acres of wooded campus just seven miles south of Tacoma and adjacent to McChord Air Force Base. The campus features a blend of architectural styles, mostly contemporary structures. Among many notable alumni is Olympic medalist Megan Jendrick.

Academic Programs

Pacific Lutheran University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, post-masters Certificates and Doctorates in over 40 majors. The university is comprised of three Divisions and four schools: Division of Humanities, Division of Natural Sciences, Division of Social Sciences, School of Arts and Communication, School of Business, School of Education and Kinesiology and School of Nursing. PLU is noted for Nursing, Music and Teacher Education programs; the largest program on campus is in Business. PLU also has a robust study abroad program and values the classroom alternatives to educations. PLU was the first American university to have students studying abroad on all seven continents at the same time. Per the Mission statement, students are encouraged to: embrace complexity and ambiguity; engage other peoples and perspectives; appreciate the living past in the present and future; engage traditions creatively and critically; link theory and practice, and the public with the private.

Student Life

There are over 2900 undergraduate students enrolled in Pacific Lutheran University; most of whom reside on campus in one of the 10 residence halls and communities which range from traditional dormitory style to apartments. There are over 70 campus clubs and student organizations, including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the black and gold Lutes field teams in 11 sports and participate in NCAA Division III competition. “As a university of the first rank, Pacific Lutheran University seeks to maximize the achievement of its mission and become an internationally renowned model of the New American University, purposefully integrating the liberal arts, professional studies, and civic engagement.” While attending PLU, each student is exposed to the 7 Core Elements in Lutheran higher education: 1. Critical questioning of current knowledge and values; 2. Freedom for expression and protection of learning; 3. A liberating foundation in the liberal arts; 4. Learning and research within community; 5. The intrinsic value of the whole creation; 6. Discerning one’s vocation in the world; and 7. Service to the advancement of life, health, and wholeness

Pacific Lutheran University

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