Academic Comparison between TESC and PLU

The Evergreen State College and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. TESC is a four-year, public school located in Olympia, WA and PLU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Tacoma, 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.

  • TESC is a public and PLU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLU has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,916) than TESC ($31,905).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than TESC.
  • TESC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,190) than PLU (1,160).
  • TESC has higher submitted ACT score (26) than PLU (25).
  • PLU has more students with 2,797 students while TESC has 2,490 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while TESC's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • PLU has more full-time faculties with 176 faculties while TESC has 95 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

The Evergreen State Collegevs.Pacific Lutheran University
Olympia, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$9,264
Out-Of-State$31,905
2025 Tuition & Fees$50,916
56%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$11,464Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,262
96.37 %Acceptance Rates78.02 %
25.38 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.12 %
1,190SAT Score1,160
26ACT Score25
41 %Graduation Rate69 %
-Transfer-out Rate24 %
70 %Retention Rate82 %
2,490Student Population2,797
95Number of Faculties176
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services