
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private Lutheran university in Parkland, Washington, with approximately 2,700 students enrolled as of 2023. The university was founded by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1890, and classes began in 1894 with just 30 students. Today, PLU offers almost 40 majors, with popular programs including business administration, nursing, and kinesiology. The university has a strong focus on global and civic engagement, with nearly 50% of students studying abroad and over 70% volunteering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Parkland, Washington |
| Type | Private Lutheran university |
| Campus Size | 156 acres |
| Number of Students | 2,700 |
| Number of Professors | 238 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 2,393 |
| Median Undergraduate Tuition | $49,472 |
| Average Net Price | $24,825 |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid | 97% |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid Through Loans | 44% |
| Percentage of Students Who Study Away | 50% |
| Percentage of Students Who Volunteer | 70% |
| Popular Programs | Business Administration, Nursing, Kinesiology |
| Percentage of Students Completing Degrees Within Normal Time | 63% |
| Popular Bachelor's Degree Concentrations | Registered Nursing, General Business Administration & Management, Kinesiology & Exercise Science |
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What You'll Learn

Pacific Lutheran University has approximately 2,700 students enrolled
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private Lutheran university in Parkland, Washington. It was founded by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1890 and has since grown to accommodate approximately 2,700 students. The university's campus is located six miles (10 km) south of Tacoma, Washington, in suburban Parkland, on a 156-acre (63 ha) woodland campus.
PLU offers a variety of academic programs and encourages student engagement both on and off campus. The university has four colleges: the College of Health Professions, the College of Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Social Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences, and the College of Professional Studies. Students can choose from almost 40 majors, with popular programs including business administration, nursing, and kinesiology. The university also offers special programs such as a 3-2 degree program, distance learning, a double major option, and internships.
The student experience at PLU is enhanced by the beautiful campus, particularly during the Fall and Spring seasons. The community is described as "wonderful," with students coming from diverse backgrounds and forming strong connections. The small class sizes and accessible professors create a supportive learning environment. Additionally, the university fosters a culture of global and civic engagement, with nearly 50% of students studying abroad and over 70% volunteering.
PLU also provides financial support to its students. In 2022, 97% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, and 44% received aid through loans. The university offers various scholarships, including the PLU Academic Scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 annually, and full-tuition scholarships such as the Regents' Scholarships. The PLU Pledge is another notable initiative, helping students repay loans if they earn less than $50,000 annually after graduation.
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Undergraduate tuition is $49,472
Undergraduate tuition at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is $49,472. This is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance, however, is much higher than the cost of tuition alone.
PLU is a private Lutheran university located in Parkland, Washington, with approximately 2,700 students enrolled. The university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. All freshmen are considered for PLU Academic Scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 annually. The university also offers several full-tuition scholarships, including the Regents' Scholarships and the 253 PLU Bound Scholarship for Washington high school students. Additionally, the PLU Pledge helps repay loans if the student is making less than $50,000 annually.
The cost of tuition does not include room and board, which is an additional expense for students. The on-campus room and board fee is $12,446 per academic year. Students who choose to live off-campus should budget at least this amount to cover their living expenses. Other fees include approximately $762 for books and supplies, $1,492 for additional school fees, and $2,665 for miscellaneous expenses throughout the year. In total, the expected cost of attending PLU on a full-time basis is $66,837 per year.
It is important to note that the net price of attendance, which is the cost after grants and scholarships are applied, can vary significantly for each student. The average reported net price for students receiving grants or scholarship aid was $23,841 in 2019-2020. This net price will differ based on factors such as family income, assets, and individual financial need. Students can utilize work-study programs, where they work during the school year, typically on campus, and use the earnings to help pay for tuition.
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97% of students received financial aid in 2022
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private Lutheran university in Parkland, Washington, with approximately 2,700 students enrolled. It was founded in 1890 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants and has since grown and changed in many ways. The entire university was initially housed in one building, now known as Harstad Hall, and the first class consisted of 30 students. Today, the university spans 156 acres of woodland and employs approximately 238 full-time professors.
PLU offers a wide range of academic programs and encourages students to study abroad and engage in community service. Nearly 50% of students study away, and over 70% volunteer. The university also provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities. All freshmen are considered for PLU Academic Scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 annually. Additionally, the university offers full-tuition scholarships, such as the Regents' Scholarships and the 253 PLU Bound Scholarship for Washington high school students.
The PLU Pledge is another initiative that helps students with loan repayment. If a student is making less than $50,000 annually after graduation, the university will assist in repaying their loans. This can be especially beneficial for those who pursue careers in the public service sector or other lower-paying but socially impactful fields. This commitment to accessibility and supporting students in their educational pursuits is further demonstrated by the fact that 97% of students received financial aid in 2022.
The university's dedication to financial aid and scholarships ensures that a quality education is accessible to a diverse range of students. With nearly all freshmen receiving some form of financial assistance, PLU fosters an inclusive and supportive community. This support extends beyond financial aid, with professors renowned for their expertise and dedication to helping students succeed. Small class sizes further enhance the personalized educational experience that PLU offers.
PLU's comprehensive approach to financial aid and its focus on academic excellence and community engagement contribute to its appeal. With a rich history, a vibrant campus life, and a strong commitment to student success, PLU offers a well-rounded and accessible educational experience. The university's efforts to support its students financially and academically have likely contributed to its high employment rate, with approximately 90% of students employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating.
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63% of students graduated within 4 years
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private Lutheran university in Parkland, Washington. It was founded by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1890 and has approximately 2,700 students enrolled, with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,393 as of Fall 2023. The university offers almost 40 majors, with popular programs including business administration, nursing, and kinesiology.
In 2022, 63% of students graduated from Pacific Lutheran University within four years. This is an impressive achievement, as it indicates that a significant majority of students were able to complete their degree programs on time. On-time graduation is an important indicator of a university's effectiveness in supporting its students towards degree completion.
Completing a degree within the standard timeframe has several advantages for students. Firstly, it allows graduates to enter the job market or pursue further education more quickly, which can have financial benefits and accelerate career progression. Secondly, it demonstrates a strong commitment to their academic goals and effective time management skills. Additionally, graduating on time can help students avoid additional costs associated with extended enrollment, such as extra tuition or living expenses.
However, it is important to acknowledge that not all students are able to complete their degrees within the standard timeframe. There are various factors that can influence the time it takes to graduate. Some students may need to balance their studies with part-time or full-time work to support themselves financially, which can extend their graduation timeline. Others may choose to pursue additional educational opportunities, such as internships, study abroad programs, or research projects, that enrich their academic experience but may extend their time in college.
Pacific Lutheran University offers a range of support services and resources to help students stay on track with their degree completion. The university provides academic advising, career counselling, and financial aid to assist students in navigating their academic and personal challenges. Additionally, the university's faculty and staff are committed to student success and are accessible to students who need guidance or support throughout their academic journey.
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The student body was half veterans post-war
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private Lutheran university in Parkland, Washington. It was founded by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1890 and classes commenced in 1894 with 30 students.
During World War II, most men were away fighting, so the student body at PLU was almost all female. After the war, however, there was a boom in enrollment as veterans returned to college, many using the G.I. Bill. This influx of veterans meant that the student body was now half veterans and no longer predominantly female.
PLU has a long history of supporting veterans and their families, both during and after their service. In 1946, the university welcomed Veterans Administration Training Officers to host weekly meetings to assist veterans with issues obtaining benefits. In 1959, PLU had a Veteran's Club, and in 1996, the university established a Veterans Affairs Coordinator position to support students receiving MGIB and VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits.
Today, PLU has approximately 2,700 students enrolled, with nearly 50% of them studying abroad. The campus is located on 156 acres of woodland, with approximately half of the enrolled students living on campus. The university offers a variety of academic programs and is known for its supportive faculty and beautiful campus.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2023, Pacific Lutheran University has approximately 2,700 students enrolled.
In 2022, 535 students received degrees from Pacific Lutheran University. 249 of these students were women, and the most common degree was in Registered Nursing.
It is unclear how many of the enrolled students at Pacific Lutheran University attend classes on campus. However, the university has a campus size of 156 acres and employs approximately 238 full-time professors.




















