PLU vs Cal Lutheran Introduction
When deciding on a college or university, students must consider various factors, such as cost, program offerings, reputation, and campus location. In this article, we will compare two universities with similar values and educational goals: Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran). Both institutions are known for their dedication to providing a high-quality education and fostering a strong sense of community. Here, we’ll examine each school’s offerings and help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Overview
Pacific Lutheran University, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1890, PLU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs to approximately 3,100 students. The university is committed to a mission of educating students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.
PLU Costs & Tuition
Tuition at PLU for the 2021-2022 academic year is $45,150. Additionally, students can expect to pay around $12,690 for room and board and approximately $1,200 for books and supplies. PLU offers need-based and merit-based financial aid to help students cover the cost of their education.
PLU Admissions
PLU has a 90% acceptance rate, making it a moderately selective institution. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.72. PLU accepts both the SAT and ACT, and the middle 50% of incoming students score between 1080 and 1270 on the SAT and between 22 and 28 on the ACT.
PLU Degrees Offered
PLU offers over 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, including business, education, and nursing. The university also offers several pre-professional programs, such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-dental.
PLU Academics
PLU is known for its excellent faculty, small class sizes, and commitment to undergraduate research. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, ensuring students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey.
PLU Diversity
PLU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 34% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, and the university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion.
PLU Students
The student body at PLU is comprised of approximately 2,600 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students, representing 40 states and 17 countries. PLU offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and make connections with their peers.
PLU Campus
PLU’s campus is situated on 156 acres in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. The university is located approximately 35 miles south of Seattle and 30 miles north of Olympia, offering students access to a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
PLU Alumni
Notable PLU alumni include artist Dale Chihuly, author Beverly Cleary, and NFL player Jon Kitna. The university maintains a strong alumni network and offers numerous resources for career development and networking.
PLU Rankings
PLU is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 rankings, PLU was ranked #22 among regional universities in the West and #15 for Best Value Schools.
PLU Outcomes
According to the university, 95% of PLU graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for PLU graduates is $47,000.
California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) Overview
Located in Thousand Oaks, California, Cal Lutheran is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1959, Cal Lutheran offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to its nearly 4,100 students. The university’s mission is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice.
Cal Lutheran Costs & Tuition
Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at Cal Lutheran is $45,145. On top of that, students can expect to pay around $14,910 for room and board, and an estimated $1,800 for books and supplies. Cal Lutheran offers financial aid in the form of need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants.
Cal Lutheran Admissions
Cal Lutheran has an acceptance rate of 71%, making it a selective institution. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.64. Cal Lutheran accepts both the SAT and ACT, with the middle 50% of incoming students scoring between 1120 and 1300 on the SAT and between 22 and 28 on the ACT.
Cal Lutheran Degrees Offered
Cal Lutheran offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, including business, education, and psychology. The university also has several pre-professional programs, such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-dental.
Cal Lutheran Academics
Cal Lutheran is known for its small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, and emphasis on undergraduate research. The university has a strong commitment to experiential learning and offers numerous opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad experiences.
Cal Lutheran Diversity
At Cal Lutheran, approximately 46% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. The university is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, offering a variety of resources and programming to support underrepresented students.
Cal Lutheran Students
Cal Lutheran has a diverse student body, with nearly 3,000 undergraduate students and over 1,200 graduate students hailing from 45 states and 49 countries. The university offers more than 100 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and forge connections with their peers.
Cal Lutheran Campus
Cal Lutheran’s campus spans 225 acres in Thousand Oaks, California, just 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The picturesque setting offers a serene environment for study and recreation while providing easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of Southern California.
Cal Lutheran Alumni
Notable Cal Lutheran alumni include actress Sarah Drew, NFL player Justin Beaver, and entrepreneur Jack Schwefel. The university has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for career development and networking.
Cal Lutheran Rankings
Cal Lutheran is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 rankings, Cal Lutheran was ranked #10 among regional universities in the West and #9 for Best Value Schools.
Cal Lutheran Outcomes
According to the university, 95% of Cal Lutheran graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation. The average starting salary for Cal Lutheran graduates is $51,000.
PLU vs Cal Lutheran Cost Comparison
Both PLU and Cal Lutheran have similar tuition costs for the 2021-2022 academic year, with PLU at $45,150 and Cal Lutheran at $45,145. However, room and board expenses differ, with PLU students paying approximately $12,690 and Cal Lutheran students paying around $14,910. Additionally, Cal Lutheran students can expect to pay slightly more for books and supplies than PLU students. Both universities offer need-based and merit-based financial aid to help students offset the cost of attendance.
PLU vs Cal Lutheran Admissions Difficulty
PLU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Cal Lutheran (71%), making it a moderately selective institution compared to Cal Lutheran’s selective status. The average high school GPA of admitted students at PLU is 3.72, while it is 3.64 at Cal Lutheran. The middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores for incoming students are similar at both universities, with only slight variations in the ranges.
PLU vs Cal Lutheran Academic Difficulty
Both PLU and Cal Lutheran are known for their small class sizes and commitment to undergraduate research. PLU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, while Cal Lutheran has a ratio of 15:1. Both universities prioritize personalized attention, experiential learning, and strong faculty-student relationships. Students at both institutions can expect a rigorous academic experience with ample opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad.
PLU vs Cal Lutheran Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both PLU and Cal Lutheran have similar post-graduation success rates, with 95% of students from both universities employed or enrolled in graduate school within six to nine months of graduation. However, Cal Lutheran graduates report a slightly higher average starting salary of $51,000 compared to PLU graduates’ average salary of $47,000.
