Academic Comparison between PLU and Highline College

Pacific Lutheran University and Highline College 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 Highline College is a four-year, public school located in Des Moines, 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 Highline College is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,272) than Highline College ($5,156).
  • Highline College has more students with 4,684 students while PLU has 2,633 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Highline College's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • PLU has more full-time faculties with 198 faculties while Highline College has 161 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Highline College
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationDes Moines, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationAssociate's - Private For-profit 4-year Primarily Associate's
$50,2722024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,623
Out-Of-State$5,156
97%% Receiving Financial Aid46%
$33,815Average Amount of Financial Aid$5,072
81.01 %Acceptance Rates-
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)-
1,130SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
71 %Graduation Rate40 %
-Transfer-out Rate21 %
78 %Retention Rate-
2,633Student Population4,684
198Number of Faculties161
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), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services