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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, Washington · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$52,212

Acceptance Rate

81%

Graduation Rate

71%

Annual Tuition

$50,964

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of $66,990 ten years after entry — 24% above the national median. Acceptance rate 80.5%, average SAT score 1168, in-state tuition $50,964.

At a Glance

Total Students

2,350

Retention Rate

79%

Faculty Ratio

12

Financial Aid

44%

Median Debt

$22,578

Campus Setting

Suburban

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,168

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

540–660

SAT Math (middle 50%)

500–600

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

22–28

Institution Overview

Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit institution with 2,350 students. The university has an acceptance rate of 80.5% and a graduation rate of 71.4%. The retention rate is 79.4%. The in-state tuition is $50,964.

One year after graduation, alumni earn $45,409, increasing to $52,212 after five years, and $66,990 after ten years. The median debt for students is $22,578, and 44% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$45k

1 YEAR

$52k

5 YEARS

$67k

10 YEARS

Top 27% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median salary of $45,409. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $52,212. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $66,990. The median debt for graduates is $22,578.

Pacific Lutheran University has an 80.5% acceptance rate and a 71.4% graduation rate. The retention rate is 79.4%. The in-state tuition is $50,964, and 44% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 127 / yr
Median Salary $58,626

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 110 / yr
Median Salary $104,932

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 72 / yr
Median Salary $74,828

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 52 / yr
Median Salary $33,449

Psychology, General

Graduates 49 / yr
Median Salary $30,757

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

Graduates 44 / yr
Median Salary $30,142

Biology, General

Graduates 43 / yr
Median Salary $36,766

Chemistry

Graduates 30 / yr
Median Salary $44,555

Sociology

Graduates 28 / yr
Median Salary $35,317

Political Science and Government

Graduates 28 / yr
Median Salary $41,518

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduates 26 / yr
Median Salary $78,055

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 25 / yr
Median Salary $33,970

Music

Graduates 22 / yr
Median Salary $17,711

Fine and Studio Arts

Graduates 21 / yr
Median Salary $23,766

Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

Graduates 20 / yr
Median Salary $53,259

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Graduates 19 / yr
Median Salary $24,773

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 15 / yr
Median Salary $57,683

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Graduates 13 / yr
Median Salary $25,754

Economics

Graduates 10 / yr
Median Salary $43,806

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Campus Location

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, WA 98447-0003

Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, Washington. The campus is in a suburban setting.

All Colleges in Washington ROI Analysis Affordable in Washington Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

Pacific Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 80.5%.