Academic Comparison between Highline and PLU

Highline College and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Highline is a four-year, public school located in Des Moines, WA and PLU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Tacoma, WA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Highline is a public and PLU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,916) than Highline ($5,332).
  • Highline has more students with 5,592 students while PLU has 2,797 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Highline's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • PLU has more full-time faculties with 176 faculties while Highline has 154 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Highline Collegevs.Pacific Lutheran University
Des Moines, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Associate's - Private For-profit 4-year Primarily Associate'sCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$4,772
Out-Of-State$5,332
2025 Tuition & Fees$50,916
36%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$6,234Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,262
-Acceptance Rates78.02 %
-Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.12 %
-SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score25
35 %Graduation Rate69 %
20 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
-Retention Rate82 %
5,592Student Population2,797
154Number of Faculties176
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services