Academic Comparison between CWU and PLU

Central Washington University and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CWU is a four-year, public school located in Ellensburg, WA and PLU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Tacoma, WA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • CWU is a public and PLU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,272) than CWU ($26,771).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than CWU.
  • CWU has more students with 9,257 students while PLU has 2,633 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while CWU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • CWU has more full-time faculties with 397 faculties while PLU has 198 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,272
69%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$8,562Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,815
90.22 %Acceptance Rates80.53 %
25.45 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.72 %
-SAT Score1,130
-ACT Score24
52 %Graduation Rate71 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
68 %Retention Rate78 %
9,257Student Population2,633
397Number of Faculties198
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services