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Pacific Lutheran University: tuition, cost and admissions

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit university · Suburb (large)

2,253Undergraduates

89%Acceptance rate

1,338Average SAT

$22,699Avg net cost / yr

See Pacific Lutheran University on the map → Official website

What Pacific Lutheran University actually costs

Item	Amount
Tuition & fees (in-state)	$50,928	Published rate before aid
Tuition & fees (out-of-state)	$50,928	Published rate before aid
Room & board (on campus)	$11,826	Annual
Books & supplies	$702	Estimated annual
Total sticker cost	$60,866	Everything, before aid
Average actual cost paid	$22,699	Average paid after grants and scholarships — an average, not a quote

Across all students, the average paid here was $38,167 less than the sticker price — about 63% off, once grants and scholarships are counted. Individual awards vary enormously, and many students receive nothing at all.

Do your own due diligence on cost. Every figure above is a historical federal average for all students at this college. No student pays the average. What you are charged depends on your family’s income and assets, your academic record, the year you apply, and what aid this college has available — and it changes year to year. Use these numbers to decide which colleges are worth investigating, never to decide what one will cost you. Run the college’s own net price calculator — every US college is required by law to publish one — then confirm in writing with its financial aid office before committing to anything. We are not financial, admissions or tax advisers and have no relationship with this college.

Most popular fields of study

Health Professions — 17%

Business, Management & Marketing — 14%

Parks, Recreation & Fitness — 8%

Social Sciences — 8%

Education — 6%

Biological & Biomedical Sciences — 6%

Physical Sciences — 6%

Visual & Performing Arts — 6%

Share of degrees awarded, US Dept. of Education.

Varsity athletics at Pacific Lutheran University

Athletic association	D-III
Men’s varsity sports (8)	Football (103), Baseball (44), Track & Field (40), Soccer (37), Basketball (17), Swimming & Diving (17), Cross Country (10), Golf (8)
Women’s varsity sports (10)	Soccer (37), Track & Field (34), Softball (30), Rowing (22), Basketball (16), Lacrosse (16), Volleyball (16), Swimming & Diving (15), Cross Country (8), Golf (4)
Softball conference	NWC
Head softball coach	Traci Barrett

Squad sizes in brackets, from the federal Equity in Athletics survey (2024–25). Filter by sport and division on the interactive map.

Plan a visit and compare

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Other colleges in Washington

University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Washington State University · Western Washington University · Central Washington University · Bellevue College · Eastern Washington University · Pierce College District · Green River College