Academic Comparison between PLU and Highline

Pacific Lutheran University and Highline College 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 Highline is a four-year, public school located in Des Moines, 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 Highline is a public 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

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Highline College
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationDes Moines, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationAssociate's - Private For-profit 4-year Primarily Associate's
$50,9162025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,772
Out-Of-State$5,332
94%% Receiving Financial Aid36%
$38,262Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,234
78.02 %Acceptance Rates-
14.12 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)-
1,160SAT Score-
25ACT Score-
69 %Graduation Rate35 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate20 %
82 %Retention Rate-
2,797Student Population5,592
176Number of Faculties154
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services