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Pacific Lutheran University vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, and University of Washington-Seattle Campus is a public university in Seattle, WA. University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 39% of applicants against 78% at Pacific Lutheran University. University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,091 a year against $19,589 at Pacific Lutheran University. About 84% of students graduate at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, compared with 70% at Pacific Lutheran University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Washington-Seattle Campus alumni earn a median of about $78,466, against $66,990 for Pacific Lutheran University.

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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Tacoma, WA
Seattle, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
31,942
Acceptance rate
78%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
1200–1453
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
27–33
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$14,091
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$32,446
In-state tuition
$52,254
$12,973
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$43,209
Application fee
$0
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$6,384
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$7,039
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$8,110
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$14,328
Over $110k
$26,915
$30,019
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
84%
Freshman retention
82%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$62,979
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$78,466
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$14,615
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
15%
First-generation students
30%
33%
International students
5%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Nov 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 Washington-Seattle Campus harder to get into?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 39% 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 Washington-Seattle Campus?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,091 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 University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
Before aid, University of Washington-Seattle Campus costs about $32,446 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 University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,384 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 University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the larger of the two, with about 31,942 undergraduates against 2,401 at Pacific Lutheran University.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or University of Washington-Seattle Campus have a better graduation rate?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 70% at Pacific Lutheran University.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or University of Washington-Seattle Campus earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,466 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 Washington-Seattle Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Washington-Seattle Campus considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and University of Washington-Seattle Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 1200–1453 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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