Academic Comparison between Western Washington and PLU

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

  • Western Washington 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 Western Washington ($28,707).
  • It is harder to admit to PLU than Western Washington.
  • Western Washington has a higher submitted SAT score (1,280) than PLU (1,160).
  • Western Washington has higher submitted ACT score (28) 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

Western Washington Universityvs.Pacific Lutheran University
Bellingham, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$9,582
Out-Of-State$28,707
2025 Tuition & Fees$50,916
58%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$9,066Average Amount of Financial Aid$38,262
93.25 %Acceptance Rates78.02 %
22.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.12 %
1,280SAT Score1,160
28ACT Score25
65 %Graduation Rate69 %
-Transfer-out Rate24 %
79 %Retention Rate82 %
14,710Student Population2,797
686Number of Faculties176
18 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