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Pacific Lutheran University vs University of Puget Sound

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, and University of Puget Sound is a private university in Tacoma, WA. University of Puget Sound is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 78% at Pacific Lutheran University. Pacific Lutheran University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,589 a year against $38,394 at University of Puget Sound. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 68% at University of Puget Sound. Ten years after enrolling, University of Puget Sound alumni earn a median of about $69,594, against $66,990 for Pacific Lutheran University.

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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
1,594
Acceptance rate
78%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
1170–1380
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$38,394
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$78,378
In-state tuition
$52,254
$62,898
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$62,898
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$23,643
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$23,133
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$31,649
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$34,870
Over $110k
$26,915
$45,456
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
68%
Freshman retention
82%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$46,802
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$69,594
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
17%
First-generation students
30%
12%
International students
5%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
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 University of Puget Sound harder to get into?
University of Puget Sound is harder to get into. It admits about 72% 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 University of Puget Sound?
Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,394 at University of Puget Sound. 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 University of Puget Sound?
Before aid, Pacific Lutheran University costs about $62,459 a year and University of Puget Sound about $78,378. 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 University of Puget Sound?
Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 there, against about $23,643 at University of Puget Sound. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pacific Lutheran University or University of Puget Sound?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 1,594 at University of Puget Sound.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or University of Puget Sound have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 68% at University of Puget Sound.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or University of Puget Sound earn more?
University of Puget Sound alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,594 ten years after enrolling, against about $66,990 for Pacific Lutheran University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Puget Sound considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 1170–1380 at University of Puget Sound. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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