Academic Comparison between PLU and Washington State

Pacific Lutheran University and Washington State 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 Washington State is a four-year, public school located in Pullman, 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 Washington State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,272) than Washington State ($29,073).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than Washington State.
  • Washington State has more students with 27,539 students while PLU has 2,633 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Washington State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Washington State has more full-time faculties with 1,330 faculties while PLU has 198 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
PLU Washington State
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Washington State University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationPullman, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$50,2722024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,997
Out-Of-State$29,073
97%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$33,815Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,881
81.01 %Acceptance Rates85.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,130SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
71 %Graduation Rate62 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
78 %Retention Rate81 %
2,633Student Population27,539
198Number of Faculties1,330
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare