In this article, we will be comparing two well-known liberal arts colleges: Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and Whittier College. We will cover various aspects of each institution, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive comparison will provide a clear understanding of what each school has to offer, enabling prospective students to make an informed decision about their higher education.
Pacific Lutheran University Overview
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), established in 1890, is a private liberal arts university located in Tacoma, Washington. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including liberal arts, professional studies, and natural sciences. PLU has a strong commitment to academic excellence, global education, and experiential learning, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.
Pacific Lutheran University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at PLU for the 2021-2022 academic year is $56,295, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses. Approximately 97% of PLU students receive some form of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid package is around $30,000 per year, helping to offset the cost of attendance.
Pacific Lutheran University Admissions
The admissions process at PLU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 86%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1080-1260, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 21-27. Along with test scores, PLU considers factors such as high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular involvement in the admissions decision.
Pacific Lutheran University Degrees Offered
PLU offers over 40 undergraduate majors and 50 minors, along with several graduate programs. The university is divided into several schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and Kinesiology, and School of Nursing. Some of the most popular majors at PLU include Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, and Communication Studies.
Pacific Lutheran University Academics
At PLU, the average class size is 17, and the student-faculty ratio is 12:1. This ensures personalized attention for students and fosters an engaging learning environment. The university emphasizes experiential learning, with 50% of students participating in internships, research, or study abroad programs.
Pacific Lutheran University Diversity
PLU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 35% of the student population identifies as a person of color, and the university continually works to increase representation and inclusivity. There are numerous resources, clubs, and organizations available for students to engage with diverse perspectives and promote understanding among different cultural backgrounds.
Pacific Lutheran University Students
The total student population at PLU is around 3,100, with approximately 2,700 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 100 student clubs and organizations, various student-led initiatives, and a vibrant Greek life community.
Pacific Lutheran University Campus
PLU’s campus spans 156 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The university provides various facilities and amenities for students, such as state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, residence halls, dining facilities, a library, and recreational spaces. The campus is located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, offering easy access to local shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Pacific Lutheran University Alumni
Throughout its history, PLU has produced notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, and prominent figures in the arts and sciences. Some distinguished alumni include Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, a former NASA astronaut; Dr. Victor J. Stenger, a physicist and author; and Stewart Cink, a professional golfer.
Pacific Lutheran University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings, PLU is ranked #22 in Regional Universities West, #9 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #15 in Best Value Schools.
Pacific Lutheran University Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at PLU is 67%, and the average starting salary for graduates is $45,400. The university has a strong network of alumni and resources to support students with career development and job placement post-graduation.
Whittier College Overview
Whittier College, founded in 1887, is a private liberal arts college located in Whittier, California. The college offers over 30 majors and 30 minors in a wide range of disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Whittier College emphasizes experiential learning, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary education, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded academic experience.
Whittier College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance at Whittier College is $66,378, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses. Approximately 99% of Whittier students receive some form of financial aid, with an average financial aid package of $32,000 per year.
Whittier College Admissions
The admissions process at Whittier College is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1020-1220, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 20-26. In addition to test scores, Whittier College considers factors such as high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities in the admissions decision.
Whittier College Degrees Offered
Whittier College offers over 30 undergraduate majors and 30 minors in a variety of disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Some popular majors at Whittier College include Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, Political Science, and Kinesiology.
Whittier College Academics
Whittier College has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The college is committed to experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs. Additionally, Whittier College encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore multiple fields and engage in creative problem solving.
Whittier College Diversity
Whittier College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 63% of the student population identifies as a person of color, and the college continually works to increase representation and inclusivity. There are numerous resources, clubs, and organizations available for students to engage with diverse perspectives and promote understanding among different cultural backgrounds.
Whittier College Students
Whittier College has a total student population of around 1,700, with the majority being undergraduate students. The college offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 70 student clubs and organizations, various student-led initiatives, and athletic programs.
Whittier College Campus
The 75-acre campus of Whittier College features a mix of historic and modern buildings, providing a picturesque setting for students. The college offers various facilities and amenities, such as state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, residence halls, dining facilities, a library, and recreational spaces. The location of the campus in Whittier, California, offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Whittier College Alumni
Whittier College has produced many notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, and prominent figures in the arts and sciences. Some distinguished alumni include former U.S. President Richard Nixon, astronaut José M. Hernández, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario.
Whittier College Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings, Whittier College is ranked #127 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #116 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Whittier College Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at Whittier College is 61%, and the average starting salary for graduates is $44,700. The college has a strong network of alumni and resources to support students with career development and job placement post-graduation.
Pacific Lutheran University vs Whittier College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Pacific Lutheran University and Whittier College, there are several factors to consider. The estimated cost of attendance at PLU for the 2021-2022 academic year is $56,295, while the estimated cost of attendance at Whittier College is $66,378. This difference of approximately $10,000 per year should be taken into account when making a decision about which institution to attend.
However, it is essential to consider the financial aid packages offered by each school. Both institutions provide significant financial aid to their students, with PLU offering an average financial aid package of $30,000 per year and Whittier College offering an average financial aid package of $32,000 per year. This assistance can help offset the costs of attending each school and make them more affordable for students and their families. Ultimately, prospective students should carefully evaluate their financial situations and the financial aid opportunities available at each institution before making a decision.
Pacific Lutheran University vs Whittier College Admissions Difficulty
The admissions process at both Pacific Lutheran University and Whittier College is moderately competitive. PLU has an acceptance rate of 86%, while Whittier College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Both institutions consider factors such as high school GPA, class rank, SAT or ACT scores, and extracurricular activities in their admissions decisions.
The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students at PLU is 1080-1260, whereas, at Whittier College, it is 1020-1220. The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students at PLU is 21-27, while at Whittier College, it is 20-26. Based on these statistics, it can be inferred that admission to Pacific Lutheran University might be slightly less competitive than admission to Whittier College, although both institutions have relatively similar admissions criteria.
Pacific Lutheran University vs Whittier College Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic difficulty, both Pacific Lutheran University and Whittier College offer rigorous and challenging academic programs. Both institutions have a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment for students. Additionally, both schools emphasize experiential learning, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary education, providing students with well-rounded academic experiences.
When comparing the academic programs at PLU and Whittier College, it is essential to consider the specific majors and areas of study offered by each institution. Both schools offer a wide range of majors and minors in various disciplines, although there might be differences in the specific programs available at each school. Prospective students should carefully evaluate the academic offerings at each institution and consider their career goals and interests before making a decision.
Pacific Lutheran University vs Whittier College Outcome Comparison
The outcomes for graduates of Pacific Lutheran University and Whittier College are relatively similar. The 6-year graduation rate at PLU is 67%, while the 6-year graduation rate at Whittier College is 61%. The average starting salary for graduates of PLU is $45,400, compared to $44,700 for Whittier College graduates. Both institutions have strong alumni networks and resources to support students in their career development and job placement efforts post-graduation.
Overall, both Pacific Lutheran University and Whittier College offer excellent academic programs, supportive learning environments, and successful outcomes for their graduates. Prospective students should carefully consider the unique features of each institution, along with factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, and academic offerings, before making a decision about their higher education.
