Academic Comparison between Western Washington University and PLU

Western Washington University and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Western Washington University is a four-year, public school located in Bellingham, 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.

  • Western Washington University 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 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 (1,230) than PLU (1,130).
  • Western Washington University has higher submitted ACT score (26) 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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Washington Universityvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Bellingham, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$9,286
Out-Of-State$27,853
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,272
61%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$8,787Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,815
91.00 %Acceptance Rates81.01 %
24.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,230SAT Score1,130
26ACT Score24
65 %Graduation Rate71 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate78 %
14,747Student Population2,633
657Number of Faculties198
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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