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Pacific Lutheran University vs Whitman College

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA. Whitman College is a private college in Walla Walla, WA. Whitman College admits about 38% of applicants and Pacific Lutheran University about 78%, making Whitman College 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 $33,313 at Whitman College. About 81% of students graduate at Whitman College, compared with 70% at Pacific Lutheran University. Ten years after enrolling, Whitman College alumni earn a median of about $67,589, against $66,990 for Pacific Lutheran University.

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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Tacoma, WA
Walla Walla, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,401
1,531
Acceptance rate
78%
38%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1260
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,589
$33,313
Full cost / yr
$62,459
$78,092
In-state tuition
$52,254
$64,050
Out-of-state tuition
$52,254
$64,050
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,609
$13,567
$30k - $48k
$12,948
$11,596
$48k - $75k
$15,756
$21,915
$75k - $110k
$22,535
$27,237
Over $110k
$26,915
$47,679
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
81%
Freshman retention
82%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,212
$45,594
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,990
$67,589
Median debt at graduation
$22,578
$18,437
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
16%
First-generation students
30%
12%
International students
5%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Dec 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 Whitman College harder to get into?
Whitman College is harder to get into. It admits about 38% 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 Whitman College?
Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,313 at Whitman College. 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 Whitman College?
Before aid, Pacific Lutheran University costs about $62,459 a year and Whitman College about $78,092. 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 Whitman College?
Whitman College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,567 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 Whitman College?
Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 1,531 at Whitman College.
Does Pacific Lutheran University or Whitman College have a better graduation rate?
Whitman College has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 70% at Pacific Lutheran University.
Do graduates of Pacific Lutheran University or Whitman College earn more?
Whitman College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,589 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 Whitman College require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Whitman College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Lutheran University and Whitman College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University and 1310–1480 at Whitman College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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