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Pacific Lutheran University vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, and University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a public university in Tacoma, WA. Pacific Lutheran University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 83% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,163 a year against $19,589 at Pacific Lutheran University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 63% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. Ten years after enrolling, University of Washington-Tacoma 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-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
4,185
Acceptance rate
78%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
960–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$10,163
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$25,346
In-state tuition
$52,254
$13,168
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$43,404
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$4,458
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$6,135
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$6,748
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$11,449
Over $110k
$26,915
$22,183
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
63%
Freshman retention
82%
80%
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%
40%
First-generation students
30%
33%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
May 31

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-Tacoma Campus harder to get into?
Pacific Lutheran University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 83% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. 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-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,163 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-Tacoma Campus?
Before aid, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus costs about $25,346 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-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,458 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-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is the larger of the two, with about 4,185 undergraduates against 2,401 at Pacific Lutheran University.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 63% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus earn more?
University of Washington-Tacoma 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-Tacoma 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-Tacoma Campus considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and University of Washington-Tacoma Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 960–1180 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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