When comparing two higher education institutions, it is important to take into account aspects like costs, admissions, academic offerings, diversity, students, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. In this article, we will compare and contrast Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and the University of the Pacific to help you decide which school may be the best fit for you.
PLU Overview
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private, liberal arts university located in Tacoma, Washington. Established in 1890, the university is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has a strong commitment to the Lutheran tradition of higher education. With over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, PLU offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment for students.
PLU Costs & Tuition
At PLU, the estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,670, which includes tuition, room and board, and other fees. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and more than 90% of students at PLU receive some form of financial assistance.
PLU Admissions
Admission to PLU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 86%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.71. Besides GPA, PLU considers factors like extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays when reviewing applications. The application deadline for the fall semester is January 15th.
PLU Degrees Offered
PLU offers over 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in various fields like business, education, nursing, and social work. The most popular majors at PLU include Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, and Kinesiology.
PLU Academics
The student-faculty ratio at PLU is 12:1, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The university has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with over 60% of students participating in internships, research projects, or study abroad programs.
PLU Diversity
PLU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Approximately 34% of students at PLU identify as a racial or ethnic minority, and the university has a variety of programs and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion.
PLU Students
The PLU campus community is made up of approximately 3,000 students from 40 states and 18 countries. The university offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop leadership skills.
PLU Campus
PLU’s 156-acre campus is located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The university is also a short drive from downtown Tacoma, offering students access to a vibrant urban center with arts, culture, and entertainment options.
PLU Alumni
Notable PLU alumni include author Beverly Cleary, comedian Maria Bamford, and former NFL player Jon Kitna. The PLU alumni network offers resources and events to help graduates stay connected and engaged with the university community.
PLU Rankings
PLU is ranked #22 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report and has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and social justice.
PLU Outcomes
According to the university, 94% of PLU graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for PLU graduates is $45,000.
Pacific Overview
The University of the Pacific is a private, comprehensive university located in Stockton, California. Established in 1851, Pacific is the oldest chartered university in the state of California and has a rich history of academic excellence. The university enrolls over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its 11 schools and colleges.
Pacific Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at the University of the Pacific is $62,311, which includes tuition, room and board, and other fees. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and approximately 96% of students at Pacific receive some form of financial assistance.
Pacific Admissions
Admission to the University of the Pacific is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 63%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.66. In addition to GPA, Pacific considers factors like extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays when reviewing applications. The application deadline for the fall semester is January 15th.
Pacific Degrees Offered
Pacific offers over 80 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and music. The most popular majors at Pacific include Business Administration, Biology, Health Sciences, and Psychology.
Pacific Academics
The student-faculty ratio at Pacific is 13:1, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The university is committed to providing a hands-on, experiential learning environment for students, with opportunities for internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.
Pacific Diversity
Pacific is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Approximately 55% of students at Pacific identify as a racial or ethnic minority, and the university has a variety of programs and organizations aimed at supporting diversity and inclusion.
Pacific Students
The Pacific campus community consists of over 6,000 students from 45 states and over 50 countries. The university offers more than 150 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop leadership skills.
Pacific Campus
Pacific’s 175-acre campus is located in Stockton, California, a diverse and vibrant city in the heart of the state’s Central Valley. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The university is also within driving distance of San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering students access to a variety of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options.
Pacific Alumni
Notable Pacific alumni include former U.S. Representative George Miller, musician Dave Brubeck, and author Maxine Hong Kingston. The Pacific alumni network offers resources and events to help graduates stay connected and engaged with the university community.
Pacific Rankings
Pacific is ranked #130 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, social justice, and community engagement.
Pacific Outcomes
According to the university, 93% of Pacific graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Pacific graduates is $56,000.
PLU vs Pacific Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending PLU and Pacific, Pacific has a higher estimated cost of attendance at $62,311, compared to PLU’s $54,670. However, both universities offer financial aid to eligible students, with 90% of PLU students and 96% of Pacific students receiving some form of financial assistance.
PLU vs Pacific Admissions Difficulty
Both PLU and Pacific have moderately competitive admissions, with PLU having a slightly higher acceptance rate at 86%, compared to Pacific’s 63%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is similar for both institutions, with PLU at 3.71 and Pacific at 3.66.
PLU vs Pacific Academic Difficulty
The student-faculty ratios at both PLU and Pacific are similar, with PLU at 12:1 and Pacific at 13:1. This allows for small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty at both universities. Both institutions also emphasize experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.
PLU vs Pacific Outcome Comparison
The post-graduation outcomes for both PLU and Pacific are similar, with 94% of PLU graduates and 93% of Pacific graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for PLU graduates is $45,000, while Pacific graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary of $56,000.
