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Pacific Lutheran University vs Saint Martin's University

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, and Saint Martin's University is a private university in Lacey, WA. Pacific Lutheran University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 90% at Saint Martin's University. Pacific Lutheran University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,589 a year against $28,119 at Saint Martin's University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 55% at Saint Martin's University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $62,092 for Saint Martin's University.

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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Tacoma, WA
Lacey, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
1,158
Acceptance rate
78%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
1025–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
16–20
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$28,119
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$62,449
In-state tuition
$52,254
$45,510
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$45,510
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$22,810
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$24,499
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$24,997
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$30,232
Over $110k
$26,915
$33,354
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
55%
Freshman retention
82%
65%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$57,998
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$62,092
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
42%
First-generation students
30%
34%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pacific Lutheran University or Saint Martin's University harder to get into?
Pacific Lutheran University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 90% at Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University?
Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,119 at Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University?
Before aid, Saint Martin's University costs about $62,449 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 Saint Martin's University?
Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 there, against about $22,810 at Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 1,158 at Saint Martin's University.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or Saint Martin's University have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 55% at Saint Martin's University.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or Saint Martin's University earn more?
Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,990 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,092 for Saint Martin's University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific Lutheran University and Saint Martin's University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Martin's University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and Saint Martin's University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 1025–1230 at Saint Martin's University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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