by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a PLU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how PLU measures up.
PLU is ranked #1,917 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Washington, it ranks #43 of 65 for value.
These PLU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| English | #78 of 143 |
| Criminology | #82 of 144 |
| Social Science | #82 of 144 |
| Foreign Language | #104 of 107 |
| General Physics | #126 of 183 |
| Physics | #129 of 188 |
| Physical Sciences | #129 of 188 |
| Teacher Education | #186 of 286 |
| Theater Arts | #186 of 274 |
| Drama & Theater Arts | #192 of 299 |
Read the full PLU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Pacific Lutheran University is ranked #11 out of #68 in Washington for quality and #43 out of #65 for Washington value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the PLU financial aid page to be sure.
Pacific Lutheran University is ranked #1,917 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Pacific Lutheran University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at PLU costs about $21,753. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $87,013 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $62,872 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $19,589 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $21,753 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,013 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about PLU net price and the factors that affect it.
What PLU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a PLU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $251,488 | — | — |
| All Students | $87,013 | #1,917 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $78,356 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $251,488 | — | — |
| All Students | $87,013 | #43 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $78,356 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at PLU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $13,847 |
| $30K–$48K | $13,035 |
| $48K–$75K | $18,653 |
| $75K–$110K | $24,898 |
| Over $110K | $29,289 |
About 95% of PLU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $38,262 per year. Get more details on the PLU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average PLU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.