Northwest University vs Pacific Lutheran University
Northwest University is a private university in Kirkland, WA. Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA. Pacific Lutheran University admits about 78% of applicants and Northwest University about 83%, making Pacific Lutheran University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,589 a year at Pacific Lutheran University after aid, and about $22,288 at Northwest University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 67% at Northwest University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $54,914 for Northwest University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Kirkland, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
645
2,401
Acceptance rate
83%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1350
1040–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,288
$19,589
Full cost / yr
$50,501
$62,459
In-state tuition
$36,035
$52,254
Out-of-state tuition
$36,035
$52,254
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,996
$13,609
$30k - $48k
$14,384
$12,948
$48k - $75k
$17,840
$15,756
$75k - $110k
$22,644
$22,535
Over $110k
$28,570
$26,915
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
70%
Freshman retention
84%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,495
$52,212
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$66,990
Median debt at graduation
$20,891
$22,578
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
35%
First-generation students
36%
30%
International students
6%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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.
- Is Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University harder to get into?
- Pacific Lutheran University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 83% at Northwest 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, Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University?
- Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,288 at Northwest 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 Northwest University and Pacific Lutheran University?
- Before aid, Northwest University costs about $50,501 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, Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University?
- Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 there, against about $17,996 at Northwest University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University?
- Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 645 at Northwest University.
- Does Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University have a better graduation rate?
- Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 67% at Northwest University.
- Do graduates of Northwest 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 $54,914 for Northwest University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northwest University and Pacific Lutheran University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northwest 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.
- What SAT scores do Northwest University and Pacific Lutheran University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1350 at Northwest University and 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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