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Heritage University vs Pacific Lutheran University

Heritage University is a private university in Toppenish, WA, and Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA. Heritage University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 78% at Pacific Lutheran University. Heritage University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,598 a year against $19,589 at Pacific Lutheran University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 46% at Heritage University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $49,416 for Heritage University.

Heritage University

Toppenish, WA · Private

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Toppenish, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
812
2,401
Acceptance rate
77%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1040–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,598
$19,589
Full cost / yr
$31,209
$62,459
In-state tuition
$20,928
$52,254
Out-of-state tuition
$20,928
$52,254
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,114
$13,609
$30k - $48k
$12,383
$12,948
$48k - $75k
$14,119
$15,756
$75k - $110k
$17,053
$22,535
Over $110k
$20,749
$26,915
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
70%
Freshman retention
57%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,001
$52,212
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,416
$66,990
Median debt at graduation
$14,573
$22,578
Student body
Pell grant recipients
67%
35%
First-generation students
63%
30%
International students
0%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 3
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Heritage University or Pacific Lutheran University harder to get into?
Heritage University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 78% at Pacific Lutheran University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Heritage University or Pacific Lutheran University?
Heritage University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,598 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,589 at Pacific Lutheran University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Heritage University and Pacific Lutheran University?
Before aid, Heritage University costs about $31,209 a year and Pacific Lutheran University about $62,459. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Heritage University or Pacific Lutheran University?
Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 there, against about $15,114 at Heritage University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Heritage University or Pacific Lutheran University?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 812 at Heritage University.
Does Heritage University or Pacific Lutheran University have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 46% at Heritage University.
Do graduates of Heritage University or Pacific Lutheran University earn more?
Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,990 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,416 for Heritage University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Heritage University and Pacific Lutheran University require SAT or ACT scores?
Heritage University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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