Skip to content

Pacific Lutheran University vs Walla Walla University

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, and Walla Walla University is a private university in College Place, WA. Walla Walla University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 51% 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 $23,329 at Walla Walla University. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 62% at Walla Walla University. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $61,885 for Walla Walla University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

Walla Walla University

College Place, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Tacoma, WA
College Place, WA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,401
1,252
Acceptance rate
78%
51%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
920–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$23,329
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$45,903
In-state tuition
$52,254
$34,227
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$34,227
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$18,675
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$20,079
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$20,776
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$24,081
Over $110k
$26,915
$28,760
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
62%
Freshman retention
82%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$52,840
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$61,885
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$26,842
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
26%
First-generation students
30%
17%
International students
5%
10%
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 Walla Walla University harder to get into?
Walla Walla University is harder to get into. It admits about 51% 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 Walla Walla University?
Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,329 at Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla University?
Before aid, Walla Walla University costs about $45,903 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 Walla Walla University?
Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 there, against about $18,675 at Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla University?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 1,252 at Walla Walla University.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or Walla Walla University have a better graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 62% at Walla Walla University.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or Walla Walla University earn more?
Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,990 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,885 for Walla Walla University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and Walla Walla University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 920–1210 at Walla Walla University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school