About

About Pacific Lutheran University

lutheran faith traditionnursing and health focussmall class sizesaccessible admissions

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA, known for its lutheran faith tradition, nursing and health focus, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 89%, Pacific Lutheran is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 526 students each year. Pacific Lutheran is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1253–1423, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Pacific Lutheran offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $38,167 per year; the sticker price of $62,913 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Pacific Lutheran University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

89%
Overall Accept Rate
1338
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1253 – 1423 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Pacific Lutheran University

Demonstrated Interest
PLU has a strong global education program through the Wang Center for Global Education, so if you have any interest in study abroad or cross-cultural learning, mention it specifically in your application to show genuine fit with their mission.
Essay Strategy
PLU emphasizes community engagement and its connection to the greater Tacoma and Pacific Northwest region, so if you have specific reasons for wanting to be in this area or plans to engage with the local community, weave that into your essays or additional information section.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Pacific Lutheran University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$63k/yr$13.6k
30k-48k~$63k/yr$12.9k
48k-75k~$63k/yr$15.8k
75k-110k~$63k/yr$22.5k
110k+~$63k/yr$26.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

71%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$52k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,357
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

45%White
19%Hispanic
11%Two or More Races
10%Asian
5%Black / African American
5%International
3%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
1%Unknown / Unreported
1%American Indian / AK Native
Gender36% Men · 64% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status96% Citizens and Immigrants · 5% International
Pacific Lutheran, Tacoma Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch