Academic Comparison between NCAD and PLU

Northwest College of Art & Design and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. NCAD is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Tacoma, 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.

  • NCAD is a private (for-profit) and PLU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,272) than NCAD ($18,100).
  • It is harder to admit to NCAD than PLU.
  • PLU has more students with 2,633 students while NCAD has 119 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while NCAD's ratio is 29 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwest College of Art & Designvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, Private (for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
School of art, music, and designCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
$18,1002024 Tuition & Fees$50,272
86%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$13,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,815
76.47 %Acceptance Rates80.53 %
47.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.72 %
-SAT Score1,130
-ACT Score24
56 %Graduation Rate71 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
53 %Retention Rate78 %
119Student Population2,633
-Number of Faculties198
29 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
-Special Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services