Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, Washington Β· Suburb: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#3125
Nationally
#58
In Washington
81%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$49,472
Annual Tuition
per year
71%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
2,393
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
47/100
Average
#3125 nationally
#58 in Washington
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes71
πŸ’°Affordability65
🎯Selectivity4
πŸ“šAcademic Environment15
πŸ”¬Program Breadth63

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Pacific Lutheran University is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Tacoma, Washington. With 2,393 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 81%, the institution is considered accessible. Annual tuition is $49,472, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $17,751 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%, which is good compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate81%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
4,139
Applied
3,333
Admitted
624
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading515 – 630
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math473 – 628
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)21 – 27
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$49,472/yr
Room & Board$13,208/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$63,480/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$49,472↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$17,751
$30,001 – $48,000$17,563
$48,001 – $75,000$19,030
$75,001 – $110,000$26,941
Over $110,000$28,964
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate71%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
2,393
Total Undergrads
63% F / 37% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 46%
Hispanic 19%
Black 5%
Asian 11%
Two or more 11%
International 4%
Native / Other 1%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (81% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($49,472/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationTacoma, Washington
SettingSuburb: Large
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$17,751
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#58
in Washington out of 7+ colleges
#3125
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.