Academic Comparison between PLU and CWU

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

  • PLU is a private (not-for-profit) and CWU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,916) than CWU ($27,526).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than CWU.
  • CWU has more students with 10,811 students while PLU has 2,797 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while CWU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • CWU has more full-time faculties with 426 faculties while PLU has 176 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Central Washington University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationEllensburg, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$50,9162025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,417
Out-Of-State$27,526
94%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$38,262Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,441
78.02 %Acceptance Rates90.62 %
14.12 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.03 %
1,160SAT Score-
25ACT Score-
69 %Graduation Rate54 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate-
82 %Retention Rate70 %
2,797Student Population10,811
176Number of Faculties426
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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 services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare