Western Washington University and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Western Washington 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.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Western Washington University | vs. | Pacific Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, Washington | Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Master's College and University (medium programs) |
In-State$9,582
Out-Of-State$28,707 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $50,916 |
| 58% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 94% |
| $9,066 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $38,262 |
| 93.25 % | Acceptance Rates | 78.02 % |
| 22.94 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 14.12 % |
| 1,280 | SAT Score | 1,160 |
| 28 | ACT Score | 25 |
| 65 % | Graduation Rate | 69 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | 24 % |
| 79 % | Retention Rate | 82 % |
| 14,710 | Student Population | 2,797 |
| 686 | Number of Faculties | 176 |
| 18 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 12 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |