Academic Comparison between PLU and CWU

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

  • PLU is a private (not-for-profit) and CWU is a public 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

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Central Washington University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationEllensburg, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$50,2722024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
97%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$33,815Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,562
81.01 %Acceptance Rates90.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.01 %
1,130SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
71 %Graduation Rate52 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
78 %Retention Rate68 %
2,633Student Population9,257
198Number of Faculties397
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare