Academic Comparison between Washington State and PLU

Washington State University and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Washington State is a four-year, public school located in Pullman, WA and PLU is a four-year, private (not-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.

  • Washington State is a public and PLU is a private (not-for-profit) 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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Washington State Universityvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Pullman, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$12,997
Out-Of-State$29,073
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,272
69%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$11,881Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,815
85.00 %Acceptance Rates81.01 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
-SAT Score1,130
-ACT Score24
62 %Graduation Rate71 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
81 %Retention Rate78 %
27,539Student Population2,633
1,330Number of Faculties198
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services