In this comparison, we are going to evaluate two prominent liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest: Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and Linfield University. Both institutions provide a comprehensive and rigorous education, but how do they differ in terms of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and student outcomes? In the following sections, we will thoroughly compare these two schools, helping prospective students and families make an informed decision about their higher education choices.
[PLU] Overview
Pacific Lutheran University, founded in 1890, is a private liberal arts university located in Tacoma, Washington. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives, PLU offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies. The university has a dedicated faculty focused on developing well-rounded, critical thinkers and leaders.
[PLU] Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual cost of attendance at PLU, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $62,000. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. In fact, over 90% of PLU students receive some form of financial aid, with the average financial aid package being around $34,000.
[PLU] Admissions
Admission to PLU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 86% in recent years. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.71, with SAT scores ranging from 1080 to 1260 and ACT scores between 21 and 27.
[PLU] Degrees Offered
PLU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing. Some of the most popular majors at PLU include Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, Biology, and Kinesiology.
[PLU] Academics
Pacific Lutheran University is dedicated to providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience for its students. With a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, PLU offers personalized attention and small class sizes, allowing for strong relationships between students and professors. In addition, the university emphasizes global learning and interdisciplinary studies to help students develop a well-rounded education.
[PLU] Diversity
PLU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, with students coming from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. Around 34% of the student body identifies as a person of color, and the university offers various resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Diversity Center and the Women’s Center.
[PLU] Students
With a total enrollment of around 3,100 students, PLU boasts a tight-knit community where students can easily form connections with their peers. Students at PLU are involved in various on-campus activities, clubs, and organizations, ranging from academic clubs to service organizations and cultural groups.
[PLU] Campus
Pacific Lutheran University’s picturesque campus covers 156 acres in Tacoma, Washington, with easy access to the city’s amenities and the natural beauty of Mount Rainier National Park. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including updated science labs, a performing arts center, and modern athletic facilities.
[PLU] Alumni
PLU alumni have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Horsey, acclaimed musician Brian Vogan, and NFL player Jon Kitna.
[PLU] Rankings
Pacific Lutheran University consistently ranks well in various national and regional college ranking publications. For example, in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, PLU ranked #21 among Regional Universities West and #15 as a Best Value School in the same category.
[PLU] Outcomes
Graduates of PLU enjoy strong employment and graduate school placement rates, with 94% of graduates either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for PLU alumni is around $45,000.
[Linfield] Overview
Linfield University, founded in 1858, is a private liberal arts university located in McMinnville, Oregon. Offering over 50 undergraduate majors and minors, along with several graduate programs, Linfield is known for its strong commitment to student success, global learning experiences, and vibrant campus life.
[Linfield] Costs & Tuition
The annual cost of attendance at Linfield, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $62,000, similar to PLU. However, 99% of Linfield students receive some form of financial aid, with the average financial aid package being around $36,000.
[Linfield] Admissions
Admission to Linfield is also moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 81%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.6, with SAT scores ranging from 980 to 1250 and ACT scores between 19 and 26.
[Linfield] Degrees Offered
Linfield offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing. Some of the most popular majors at Linfield include Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, Biology, and Environmental Studies.
[Linfield] Academics
Academically, Linfield is committed to providing students with a challenging and supportive learning environment. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Linfield offers small class sizes and individualized attention from professors. The university also emphasizes global learning experiences, with over half of its students participating in study abroad programs.
[Linfield] Diversity
Linfield is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community, with students coming from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. Around 32% of the student body identifies as a person of color, and the university offers various resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement.
[Linfield] Students
With a total enrollment of around 2,000 students, Linfield offers a close-knit community where students can easily connect with their peers. Students are actively involved in various on-campus activities, clubs, and organizations, ranging from academic clubs to service organizations and cultural groups.
[Linfield] Campus
Linfield University’s beautiful campus covers approximately 189 acres in McMinnville, Oregon, with easy access to the city’s attractions and the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley. The campus features modern facilities, including updated science labs, a performing arts center, and state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
[Linfield] Alumni
Linfield alumni have experienced success in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. Notable alumni include U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, novelist Molly Gloss, and NFL player Rian Lindell.
[Linfield] Rankings
Linfield University has consistently ranked well in various national and regional college ranking publications. For example, in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Linfield ranked #29 among Regional Universities West and #17 as a Best Value School in the same category.
[Linfield] Outcome
Graduates of Linfield enjoy strong employment and graduate school placement rates, with 94% of graduates either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, similar to PLU. The average starting salary for Linfield alumni is around $44,000.
[PLU] vs [Linfield] Cost Comparison
As mentioned earlier, the annual cost of attendance at both PLU and Linfield is approximately $62,000. However, both universities offer substantial financial aid packages, making them more affordable for many students. PLU’s average financial aid package is around $34,000, while Linfield’s is slightly higher at $36,000.
[PLU] vs [Linfield] Admissions Difficulty
Admissions-wise, both PLU and Linfield have moderate acceptance rates, with PLU being slightly more selective at 86% compared to Linfield’s 81%. The average high school GPA of admitted students at both schools is also similar, with PLU having a slightly higher average at 3.71 compared to Linfield’s 3.6. SAT and ACT score ranges are also comparable between the two schools.
[PLU] vs [Linfield] Academic Difficulty
Both PLU and Linfield are known for their rigorous academic programs and low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring personalized attention and a challenging learning environment. PLU has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, while Linfield has an even lower 10:1 ratio, indicating that students at Linfield may receive more individualized attention from professors.
[PLU] vs [Linfield] Outcome Comparison
In terms of student outcomes, both PLU and Linfield have strong employment and graduate school placement rates of 94%. The average starting salaries for alumni from both schools are also similar, with PLU alumni earning an average of $45,000 and Linfield alumni earning an average of $44,000.
In conclusion, both Pacific Lutheran University and Linfield University offer high-quality education and a range of academic programs, with similar costs, admissions difficulty, and student outcomes. Prospective students should consider factors such as campus environment, academic offerings, and available resources when making their decision.
