Academic Comparison between PLU and Western Washington University

Pacific Lutheran University and Western 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 Western Washington University is a four-year, public school located in Bellingham, 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 Western Washington University is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,272) than Western Washington University ($27,853).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than Western Washington University.
  • Western Washington University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,130) than PLU (1,130).
  • Western Washington University has higher submitted ACT score (24) than PLU (24).
  • Western Washington University has more students with 14,747 students while PLU has 2,633 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Western Washington University's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Western Washington University has more full-time faculties with 657 faculties while PLU has 198 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
PLU Western Washington University
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Western Washington University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationBellingham, 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 ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$50,2722024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,286
Out-Of-State$27,853
97%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$33,815Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,787
81.01 %Acceptance Rates91.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.00 %
1,130SAT Score1,230
24ACT Score26
71 %Graduation Rate65 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
78 %Retention Rate77 %
2,633Student Population14,747
198Number of Faculties657
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 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, Placement services, On-campus daycare