Pacific Lutheran University Description:
Pacific Lutheran University is a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, although only about 30% of the student body is Lutheran. The 146-acre campus is located in Parkland, Washington, just a few miles south of Tacoma. The university offers a mix of liberal arts and professional programs, with business, nursing and communications being the most popular among undergraduates. Pacific Lutheran has a 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and all classes are taught by professors, not graduate students or teaching assistants. About 450 students study abroad every year. In athletics, the PLU Lutes compete in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference.
Admissions Data (2011):
- Percent of Applicants Admitted: 77%
- What Are Your Chances? (from Cappex.com)
- Average High School GPA: 3.6
- Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
- SAT Critical Reading: 490 / 620
- SAT Math: 480 / 600
- SAT Writing: 480 / 600
- ACT Composite: 21 / 27
- ACT English: 21 / 28
- ACT Math: 21 / 27
Enrollment (2010):
- Total Enrollment: 3,543 (3,267 undergraduates)
- Gender Breakdown: 37% Male / 63% Female
- 95% Full-time
Costs (2011 - 12):
- Tuition and Fees: $30,950
- Books: $972 (why so much?)
- Room and Board: $9,250
- Other Expenses: $2,352
- Total Cost: $43,524
Pacific Lutheran University Financial Aid (2009 - 10):
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 97%
- Pacific Lutheran Scholarships (Cappex.com)
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
- Grants: 96%
- Loans: 64%
- Average Amount of Aid
- Grants: $16,858
- Loans: $6,979
Most Popular Majors:
Biology, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Economics, Elementary Education, Movement Studies and Wellness Education, Nursing, Psychology
Graduation and Retention Rates:
- First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 80%
- 4-Year Graduation Rate: 52%
- 6-Year Graduation Rate: 68%
Data Source:
National Center for Educational Statistics
Pacific Lutheran University Mission Statement:
mission statement from the university catalog.
"PLU seeks to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care – for other people, for their communities, and for the earth."
