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Pacific Lutheran University vs Seattle Pacific University

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA. Seattle Pacific University is a private university in Seattle, WA. Pacific Lutheran University admits about 78% of applicants and Seattle Pacific 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 $24,488 at Seattle Pacific University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 62% at Seattle Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University.

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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Tacoma, WA
Seattle, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
1,762
Acceptance rate
78%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
1050–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$24,488
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$56,826
In-state tuition
$52,254
$40,407
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$40,407
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$20,735
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$18,559
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$19,332
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$27,976
Over $110k
$26,915
$29,819
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
62%
Freshman retention
82%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$51,496
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$64,506
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
35%
First-generation students
30%
23%
International students
5%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 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 Seattle Pacific University harder to get into?
Pacific Lutheran University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 83% at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University?
Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,488 at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University?
Before aid, Seattle Pacific University costs about $56,826 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 Seattle Pacific University?
Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 there, against about $20,735 at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 1,762 at Seattle Pacific University.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or Seattle Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 62% at Seattle Pacific University.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or Seattle Pacific University earn more?
Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,990 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Seattle Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle Pacific University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 1050–1320 at Seattle Pacific 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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