Academic Comparison between PLU and NCAD

Pacific Lutheran University and Northwest College of Art & Design 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 NCAD is a four-year, private (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.

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

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Northwest College of Art & Design
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
$50,2722024 Tuition & Fees$18,100
97%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$33,815Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,574
81.01 %Acceptance Rates75.82 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)47.41 %
1,130SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
71 %Graduation Rate56 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
78 %Retention Rate53 %
2,633Student Population119
198Number of Faculties-
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio29 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning Opportunities-
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services