Academic Comparison between SPU and PLU

Seattle Pacific University and Pacific Lutheran 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
SPU PLU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Seattle Pacific Universityvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Seattle, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
$40,4072025 Tuition & Fees$50,916
97%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$28,171Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,262
83.40 %Acceptance Rates78.02 %
15.75 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.12 %
-SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score25
62 %Graduation Rate69 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
72 %Retention Rate82 %
2,261Student Population2,797
176Number of Faculties176
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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