# Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/pacific-lutheran-university

Pacific Lutheran University is a private nonprofit college in Tacoma, WA with 2,401 undergraduates. It admits 78% of applicants, and admitted students average 1168 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $20,652 per year ($13,627 for families earning under $30,000). 64% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $71,109 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 78% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 4,139 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 3,333 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 540–660 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 500–600 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 22–28 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $64,176 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $20,652 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $13,627 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $13,026 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $16,022 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $18,495 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $21,998 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 2,401 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 64% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $71,109 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 (FY2024) |

## What Pacific Lutheran University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Considered

## FAQ

**What is Pacific Lutheran University's acceptance rate?**

Pacific Lutheran University admits 78% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Pacific Lutheran University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 540–660 on SAT Reading and Writing and 500–600 on SAT Math; the average total is 1168.

**What ACT score do you need for Pacific Lutheran University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 22–28.

**Is Pacific Lutheran University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Pacific Lutheran University?**

In Fall 2023, 4,139 students applied to Pacific Lutheran University and 3,333 were admitted; 624 enrolled.

**Does Pacific Lutheran University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Pacific Lutheran University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Pacific Lutheran University require an essay?**

Pacific Lutheran University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Pacific Lutheran University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $64,176 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $20,652.

**What is Pacific Lutheran University's graduation rate?**

64% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 236230. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology