Pacific Lutheran University

School Overview

Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA, 98447. The university is ranked #28 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Pacific Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 78%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1040-1260 and ACT scores of 22-28. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.7. Applications are due by Aug. 1, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With just 2,446 undergraduates, Pacific Lutheran University provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 50% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 41%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Pacific Lutheran University include Communication Sciences and Disorders, General (21% of students, median early-career salary: $86,344), Business Administration and Management, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $70,355), and Biology/Biological Sciences, General (7% of students, median early-career salary: $49,616). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

However, the average net price after financial aid is $22,699, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Pacific Lutheran University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Pacific Lutheran University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Pacific Lutheran University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.