Academic Comparison between PLU and SPU

Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle Pacific University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) and located in Washington

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,916) than SPU ($40,407).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than SPU.
  • PLU has more students with 2,797 students while SPU has 2,261 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while SPU's ratio is 13 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Seattle Pacific University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationSeattle, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$50,9162025 Tuition & Fees$40,407
94%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$38,262Average Amount of Financial Aid$28,171
78.02 %Acceptance Rates83.40 %
14.12 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.75 %
1,160SAT Score-
25ACT Score-
69 %Graduation Rate62 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
82 %Retention Rate72 %
2,797Student Population2,261
176Number of Faculties176
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), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services