Choosing the right college or university is a critical decision that can impact your academic and professional future. In this article, we will compare two respected institutions, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and the University of Redlands, in various aspects such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
[PLU] Overview
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Tacoma, Washington. Founded in 1890, the university boasts a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing the integration of liberal arts and professional education. The picturesque campus spans over 156 acres, offering a vibrant and inclusive community for its students.
[PLU] Costs & Tuition
Tuition at PLU for the academic year 2021-2022 is $46,200, while the total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other fees, is approximately $63,180. However, the university offers various scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education.
[PLU] Admissions
The admissions process at PLU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 86%. The university seeks applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.71, while the average SAT and ACT scores are 1170 and 25, respectively.
[PLU] Degrees Offered
PLU offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs across various fields, including arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing. Some of the most popular majors at PLU are business, nursing, psychology, biology, and communication.
[PLU] Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, PLU provides an engaging and supportive learning environment, encouraging close collaboration between students and faculty. The university is known for its strong liberal arts foundation, with a focus on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
[PLU] Diversity
PLU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. The university enrolls students from various backgrounds, with 39% of its student population identifying as students of color. PLU also offers numerous resources and programs to support and celebrate its diverse student body.
[PLU] Students
PLU has a total enrollment of around 3,100 students, comprising 2,800 undergraduate and 300 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage and develop their interests outside the classroom.
[PLU] Campus
The 156-acre campus at PLU is located in Tacoma, Washington, offering a serene and picturesque environment for learning and personal growth. The campus features modern academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational areas, as well as easy access to Tacoma’s urban amenities and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
[PLU] Alumni
PLU has a strong alumni network, with graduates finding success in various fields, including business, arts, education, and healthcare. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Horsey, Grammy-nominated conductor Maria Guinand, and former NFL player Jon Kitna.
[PLU] Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, PLU ranks #22 in Regional Universities West and #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
[PLU] Outcomes
PLU has a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers after graduation. The university reports a six-month post-graduation employment rate of 93% for its 2018-2019 graduates. Additionally, the average starting salary for PLU graduates is $48,900.
[University of Redlands] Overview
The University of Redlands is a private liberal arts university located in Redlands, California. Founded in 1907, the university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on personalized education. The campus covers 160 acres and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and palm trees.
[University of Redlands] Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University of Redlands for the academic year 2021-2022 is $52,596, while the total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other fees, is approximately $70,302. The university provides various scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage their educational expenses.
[University of Redlands] Admissions
The University of Redlands has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 75%. The university is looking for applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.64, while the average SAT and ACT scores are 1190 and 26, respectively.
[University of Redlands] Degrees Offered
The University of Redlands offers over 50 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, and education. Popular majors at the university include business administration, psychology, biology, and communication studies.
[University of Redlands] Academics
With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the University of Redlands provides an intimate and supportive learning environment. The university emphasizes personalized education, with faculty actively engaged in students’ academic and professional development.
[University of Redlands] Diversity
The University of Redlands is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university enrolls students from various backgrounds, with 42% of its student population identifying as students of color. Numerous resources and programs are in place to support and celebrate the diverse student body at Redlands.
[University of Redlands] Students
The University of Redlands has a total enrollment of around 5,000 students, including 3,700 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students. The university offers numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations for students to engage in and develop their interests outside the classroom.
[University of Redlands] Campus
The 160-acre campus at the University of Redlands is known for its beautiful scenery and Mediterranean-style architecture. The campus features modern academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational areas, while providing easy access to the urban amenities of Redlands and the natural beauty of Southern California.
[University of Redlands] Alumni
The University of Redlands boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates finding success in various fields, such as business, arts, education, and healthcare. Notable alumni include bestselling author Dean Koontz, Emmy-nominated journalist Maria Quiban, and former NFL player Brian Billick.
[University of Redlands] Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, the University of Redlands ranks #7 in Regional Universities West and #3 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
[University of Redlands] Outcome
The University of Redlands emphasizes career preparation and reports a six-month post-graduation employment rate of 90% for its 2018-2019 graduates. Moreover, the average starting salary for Redlands graduates is $50,800.
[PLU] vs [University of Redlands] Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance, the University of Redlands is slightly more expensive than PLU. The total cost of attendance at Redlands comes in at around $70,302, while the cost at PLU is approximately $63,180. However, both institutions offer various scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage their educational expenses.
[PLU] vs [University of Redlands] Admissions Difficulty
The admissions process at both universities is moderately selective, with PLU having an acceptance rate of 86% and the University of Redlands having a rate of 75%. Both universities seek applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement. The average high school GPA and standardized test scores are slightly higher at the University of Redlands.
[PLU] vs [University of Redlands] Academic Difficulty
Both PLU and the University of Redlands offer challenging academic programs, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. With a similar student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 at both institutions, students can expect an engaging and supportive learning environment that encourages close collaboration between students and faculty.
[PLU] vs [University of Redlands] Outcome Comparison
Both universities have strong post-graduation outcomes, with PLU reporting a six-month employment rate of 93% and the University of Redlands reporting a rate of 90%. The average starting salary for PLU graduates is $48,900, while the average starting salary for Redlands graduates is $50,800.
