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Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University's 156-acre campus is located in Parkland, Washington, a suburban setting near Tacoma. Known for its strong sense of community, the university fosters a student body engaged in service and social justice initiatives. With a focus on undergraduate education, PLU organizes its academic programs into four colleges, including Health Professions and Natural Sciences. The university maintains an affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Avg Grad Earnings
$42,363/yr
Avg DegreeOutlook Score
40/100
Tuition (Sticker Price)
$50,964/yr
Financial Aid & Net Price
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 33% of students receive Pell Grants and 44% take federal loans.
| Family Income |
Avg Net Price/yr |
4-Year Net Cost |
Net-Price ROI |
| $0 – $30K |
$13,847 |
$55,388 |
7.6x |
| $30K – $48K |
$13,035 |
$52,140 |
8.1x |
| $48K – $75K |
$18,653 |
$74,612 |
5.7x |
| $75K – $110K |
$24,898 |
$99,592 |
4.3x |
| $110K+ |
$29,289 |
$117,156 |
3.6x |
| Sticker price (no aid) |
$50,964 |
$203,856 |
2.1x |
Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.
All Programs at Pacific Lutheran University
17 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.
| Program |
DW Score |
Earnings |
AI Risk |
ROI |
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Compare across schools |
76 |
$78,055/yr |
Very High |
4.2x |
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration
Compare across schools |
73 |
$81,761/yr |
High |
3.2x |
Teacher Education
Compare across schools |
58 |
$57,683/yr |
High |
1.8x |
Teacher Education
Compare across schools |
58 |
$57,624/yr |
High |
2.1x |
Business Administration
Compare across schools |
58 |
$52,919/yr |
High |
2.5x |
Economics
Compare across schools |
47 |
$43,806/yr |
Very High |
1.1x |
Chemistry
Compare across schools |
44 |
$44,555/yr |
High |
1.2x |
Political Science and Government
Compare across schools |
41 |
$41,518/yr |
Very High |
1.0x |
Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Compare across schools |
33 |
$33,449/yr |
Moderate |
2.0x |
Sociology
Compare across schools |
31 |
$35,317/yr |
High |
1.9x |
Biology, General
Compare across schools |
28 |
$36,766/yr |
High |
1.4x |
Communication and Media Studies
Compare across schools |
28 |
$33,970/yr |
High |
1.9x |
Psychology, General
Compare across schools |
25 |
$30,757/yr |
High |
1.6x |
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Compare across schools |
22 |
$25,754/yr |
Moderate |
0.3x |
Romance Languages & Literatures
Compare across schools |
20 |
$24,773/yr |
Very High |
0.2x |
Fine and Studio Arts
Compare across schools |
18 |
$23,766/yr |
Moderate |
0.4x |
Music
Compare across schools |
15 |
$17,711/yr |
High |
1.0x |
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →