University of Dayton vs Pacific Lutheran

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CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

University of Dayton vs Pacific Lutheran University Introduction

Choosing the right university for your higher education journey is a crucial decision. This comparison between the University of Dayton (UD) and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) will provide an in-depth analysis of their costs, admissions, academics, and other aspects to help you make the best choice.

University of Dayton Overview

The University of Dayton, founded in 1850, is a private Roman Catholic research university located in Dayton, Ohio. With over 11,000 students and a vibrant campus life, UD offers a diverse range of programs in arts, sciences, business, engineering, law, and health sciences. The University is known for its strong sense of community, commitment to service, and innovation in education.

University of Dayton Costs & Tuition

Tuition and fees at University of Dayton for the 2021-2022 academic year are $44,890, with an additional $14,470 for room and board. Other estimated expenses, such as books, supplies, and personal expenses, come to approximately $3,000. The University offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, with 95% of first-year students receiving financial aid.

University of Dayton Admissions

The University of Dayton has an acceptance rate of 72%, making it a moderately selective institution. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. In addition, the University has a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit their ACT or SAT scores.

University of Dayton Degrees Offered

UD offers over 80 undergraduate programs, 50 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs across its various colleges and schools. Some popular majors include business, engineering, education, health sciences, and communication.

University of Dayton Academics

The University of Dayton is known for its strong academic programs and a commitment to experiential learning. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, students can expect personalized attention and support from their professors. UD also encourages interdisciplinary learning and research, allowing students to explore various fields and gain real-world experience.

University of Dayton Diversity

UD has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 50 countries. Around 19% of the undergraduate students identify as students of color, and the University is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

University of Dayton Students

Students at UD are active and engaged in various clubs, organizations, and service projects. With over 270 student organizations, there is something for everyone, from Greek life to academic clubs and service groups.

University of Dayton Campus

The University of Dayton’s campus spans over 388 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings. The campus is known for its beautiful green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, including the newly renovated Kennedy Union and the RecPlex fitness center. UD also offers a variety of housing options for students, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living.

University of Dayton Alumni

UD boasts a strong alumni network, with over 120,000 alumni worldwide. Graduates have gone on to work at top companies such as Google, Apple, and Boeing, as well as pursuing careers in academia, research, and public service.

University of Dayton Rankings

The University of Dayton is consistently ranked highly in various college rankings. For example, U.S. News & World Report ranks UD #153 in National Universities and #54 in Best Value Schools for 2021.

University of Dayton Outcomes

UD has a strong record of student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 76% and a job placement rate of 94% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UD graduates is $53,000.

Pacific Lutheran University Overview

Pacific Lutheran University, founded in 1890, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Located in Tacoma, Washington, PLU offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, and nursing. With a strong emphasis on global education, experiential learning, and service, PLU aims to develop well-rounded graduates ready for success in their chosen fields.

Pacific Lutheran University Costs & Tuition

Tuition and fees at Pacific Lutheran University for the 2021-2022 academic year are $46,020, with an additional $12,720 for room and board. Other estimated expenses, such as books, supplies, and personal expenses, come to approximately $2,550. Like UD, PLU also offers financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Pacific Lutheran University Admissions

PLU has an acceptance rate of 86%, making it a less selective institution compared to UD. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Like UD, PLU also has a test-optional policy for ACT and SAT scores.

Pacific Lutheran University Degrees Offered

Pacific Lutheran University offers over 40 undergraduate majors, nine master’s programs, and three doctoral programs. Some popular majors at PLU include business, nursing, education, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.

Pacific Lutheran University Academics

With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, PLU offers a highly personalized learning experience for its students. The University emphasizes a liberal arts education and experiential learning, with opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs.

Pacific Lutheran University Diversity

PLU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, with around 30% of its undergraduate student population identifying as students of color. The University also hosts various diversity clubs and organizations to create an inclusive and supportive community for all students.

Pacific Lutheran University Students

PLU students are active in various clubs and organizations, with over 80 student-run clubs available. In addition, the University offers a variety of athletic and recreational opportunities, such as NCAA Division III sports and intramural activities.

Pacific Lutheran University Campus

The PLU campus, situated on 156 acres in Tacoma, offers a picturesque environment with stunning views of Mount Rainier. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with top-notch facilities such as the Mary Baker Russell Music Center and the Rieke Science Center.

Pacific Lutheran University Alumni

Pacific Lutheran University has a strong alumni network, with over 40,000 alumni across the globe. Graduates have gone on to work in various industries, including business, education, healthcare, and government.

Pacific Lutheran University Rankings

PLU is often recognized for its strong academic programs and commitment to global education. U.S. News & World Report ranks PLU #22 in Regional Universities West and #13 in Best Undergraduate Teaching for 2021.

Pacific Lutheran University Outcomes

PLU’s six-year graduation rate is 64%, and 90% of its graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for PLU graduates is $48,000.

University of Dayton vs Pacific Lutheran University Cost Comparison

While both UD and PLU have similar tuition and fee costs, the University of Dayton’s room and board costs are slightly higher at $14,470 compared to PLU’s $12,720. However, the overall estimated cost of attendance for both universities is comparable, with UD at $62,360 and PLU at $61,290. Both institutions offer financial aid options to help offset the cost of attendance, so it is essential to consider the types and amounts of aid available when making a decision.

University of Dayton vs Pacific Lutheran University Admissions Difficulty

Pacific Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (86%) compared to the University of Dayton (72%), indicating that it is less selective in its admissions process. Both universities have a test-optional policy for ACT and SAT scores, allowing applicants to choose whether or not to submit their scores.

University of Dayton vs Pacific Lutheran University Academic Difficulty

Both universities are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to experiential learning. PLU offers a smaller student-faculty ratio of 11:1, compared to UD’s 14:1, meaning students at PLU may have more opportunities for personalized attention and support from their professors. However, the overall academic rigor and opportunities for research, internships, and global experiences are comparable at both institutions.

University of Dayton vs Pacific Lutheran University Outcome Comparison

The University of Dayton has a higher six-year graduation rate (76%) and job placement rate (94%) compared to Pacific Lutheran University (64% and 90%, respectively). Additionally, UD graduates have a higher average starting salary ($53,000) than PLU graduates ($48,000). This suggests that students at UD may have better overall outcomes in terms of graduation, employment, and earning potential.

In conclusion, both the University of Dayton and Pacific Lutheran University offer strong academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and diverse campus communities. Factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic rigor, and post-graduation outcomes should be carefully considered when deciding which university is the best fit for your educational goals.