Academic Comparison between Washington State and PLU

Washington State University and Pacific Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Washington State is a four-year, public school located in Pullman, 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.

  • Washington State 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 Washington State ($29,950).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than Washington State.
  • Washington State has more students with 25,685 students while PLU has 2,797 students.
  • PLU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Washington State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Washington State has more full-time faculties with 1,410 faculties while PLU has 176 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Washington State Universityvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Pullman, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$13,391
Out-Of-State$29,950
2025 Tuition & Fees$50,916
68%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$12,107Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,262
86.64 %Acceptance Rates78.02 %
19.72 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.12 %
-SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score25
60 %Graduation Rate69 %
-Transfer-out Rate24 %
78 %Retention Rate82 %
25,685Student Population2,797
1,410Number of Faculties176
15 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services