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Pacific Lutheran University vs Northwest College of Art & Design

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, and Northwest College of Art & Design is a private for-profit college in Tacoma, WA. Northwest College of Art & Design is the more selective of the two, admitting about 66% of applicants against 78% at Pacific Lutheran University. Northwest College of Art & Design is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,418 a year against $19,589 at Pacific Lutheran University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 48% at Northwest College of Art & Design. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $31,167 for Northwest College of Art & Design.

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

Northwest College of Art & Design

Tacoma, WA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
139
Acceptance rate
78%
66%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.57–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$16,418
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$30,038
In-state tuition
$52,254
$18,100
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$18,100
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$12,977
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$11,857
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$17,146
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$24,031
Over $110k
$26,915
$29,101
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
48%
Freshman retention
82%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$27,505
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$31,167
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$30,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
51%
First-generation students
30%
Not reported
International students
5%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 15

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 Pacific Lutheran University or Northwest College of Art & Design harder to get into?
Northwest College of Art & Design is harder to get into. It admits about 66% 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, Pacific Lutheran University or Northwest College of Art & Design?
Northwest College of Art & Design is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,418 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 Pacific Lutheran University and Northwest College of Art & Design?
Before aid, Northwest College of Art & Design costs about $30,038 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, Pacific Lutheran University or Northwest College of Art & Design?
Northwest College of Art & Design. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,977 there, against about $13,609 at Pacific Lutheran University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pacific Lutheran University or Northwest College of Art & Design?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 139 at Northwest College of Art & Design.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or Northwest College of Art & Design have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 48% at Northwest College of Art & Design.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or Northwest College of Art & Design earn more?
Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,990 ten years after enrolling, against about $31,167 for Northwest College of Art & Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific Lutheran University and Northwest College of Art & Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwest College of Art & Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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