Academic Comparison between PLU and Western Washington

Pacific Lutheran University and Western 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 Western Washington is a four-year, public school located in Bellingham, 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 Western Washington is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,916) than Western Washington ($28,707).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than Western Washington.
  • Western Washington has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than PLU (1,160).
  • Western Washington has higher submitted ACT score (25) than PLU (25).
  • Western Washington has more students with 14,710 students while PLU has 2,797 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Western Washington's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Western Washington has more full-time faculties with 686 faculties while PLU has 176 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pacific Lutheran Universityvs.Western Washington University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationBellingham, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$50,9162025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,582
Out-Of-State$28,707
94%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$38,262Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,066
78.02 %Acceptance Rates93.25 %
14.12 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.94 %
1,160SAT Score1,280
25ACT Score28
69 %Graduation Rate65 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate-
82 %Retention Rate79 %
2,797Student Population14,710
176Number of Faculties686
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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, Placement services, On-campus daycare