Undergrad Programs Graduate Programs

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2026 Rankings for Pacific Lutheran University

Which College Factual rankings and awards has PLU been awarded? Every College Factual accolade PLU has earned will be listed on this page.

PLU was awarded 3 ranking badges in the 2026 college rankings.

Top Rankings for PLU:

#24 out of 37	#113 out of 1,208	#164 out of 1,574

PLU also offers graduate programs. View its [graduate-school rankings](/graduate-schools/pacific-lutheran-university/rankings/) for its graduate rankings.

Ranking Highlights

• Quality Rankings
  • Best Colleges Ranking
  • Best Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in Washington Ranking
  • Best Fine Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington Ranking
• Best for the Money Rankings
  • Best Value Bachelor's Degree Schools Ranking
  • Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the Far Western US Region Ranking
  • Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in Washington Ranking

How PLU Ranks in College Factual’s Best Quality Rankings

Top Ranked Majors

PLU has 359 top ranked majors, led by its placement in the Best Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in Washington Ranking.

The best rankings are listed below:

Ranking Name	Rank	Out Of	Details
Best Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in Washington	1	1	View Report
Best Nursing Practice Schools in Washington	2	2	View Report
Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	12	View Report
Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	12	View Report
Best Teacher Development & Methodology Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the Far Western US Region	3	3	View Report
Best Theater Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Theater Arts Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Drama & Theater Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	6	View Report
Best Drama & Theater Arts Schools in Washington	3	6	View Report
Best Fine Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Fine Arts Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best General Music Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	3	View Report
Best Computer Science Schools in Washington	4	22	View Report
Best Computer Science Schools in Washington	4	22	View Report
Best Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	9	View Report
Best Teacher Education Grade Specific Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	18	View Report
Best Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Schools in Washington	4	7	View Report
Best General Chemistry Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	7	View Report
Best General Chemistry Schools in Washington	4	7	View Report
Best Chemistry Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	7	View Report
Best Chemistry Schools in Washington	4	7	View Report
Best Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	4	View Report
Best Criminology Schools in Washington	4	4	View Report
Best Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	4	View Report
Best Criminology Schools in Washington	4	4	View Report
Best General Music Schools in Washington	4	4	View Report
Best Computer & Information Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	26	View Report
Best Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	5	31	View Report
Best Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	7	View Report
Best Exercise Science Schools in Washington	5	7	View Report
Best General Physics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best General Physics Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Physics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Physics Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Speech Communication Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Speech Communication Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Elementary Education Schools in Washington	6	12	View Report
Best General Mathematics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best General Mathematics Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Mathematics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Mathematics Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Physical Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Social Work Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Social Work Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Social Work Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Social Work Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods Schools in Washington	7	7	View Report
Best Health & Physical Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	9	View Report
Best Health & Physical Education Schools in Washington	7	10	View Report
Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	9	View Report
Best Political Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	11	View Report
Best Political Science Schools in Washington	7	11	View Report
Best Fine & Studio Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	8	View Report
Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in Washington	7	8	View Report
Best Music Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	7	View Report
Best Music Schools in Washington	7	9	View Report
Best General Business Administration and Management Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	32	View Report
Best Business Administration & Management Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	33	View Report
Best Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	23	View Report
Best Clinical Nurse Leader Schools	8	8	View Report
Best Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Washington	8	11	View Report
Best Political Science & Government Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	13	View Report
Best Political Science & Government Schools in Washington	8	13	View Report
Best Public Administration & Social Service Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	12	View Report
Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in Washington	8	13	View Report
Best Teacher Development & Methodology Schools in the Far Western US Region	9	20	View Report
Best Teacher Education Grade Specific Schools in Washington	9	34	View Report
Best Education Schools in Washington	9	39	View Report
Best General Business Administration and Management Schools in Washington	10	37	View Report
Best Business Administration & Management Schools in Washington	10	40	View Report
Best Communication & Media Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	10	13	View Report
Best Physical Sciences Schools in Washington	10	23	View Report
Best Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	10	14	View Report
Best Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	10	14	View Report
Best Biology Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	15	View Report
Best Business, Management & Marketing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	38	View Report
Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in Washington	11	14	View Report
Best Elementary Education Schools in the Far Western US Region	11	43	View Report
Best Teacher Education Grade Specific Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	11	57	View Report
Best Mental & Social Health Services Schools in Washington	11	22	View Report
Best Registered Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	17	View Report
Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	17	View Report
Best Social Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	14	View Report
Best General Biology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	12	16	View Report
Best Biological & Biomedical Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	12	18	View Report
Best General Psychology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	12	17	View Report
Best General Psychology Schools in Washington	12	18	View Report
Best General Psychology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	12	17	View Report
Best General Psychology Schools in Washington	12	18	View Report
Best Social Sciences Schools in Washington	12	15	View Report
Best Biology Studies Schools in Washington	13	22	View Report
Best Criminology Schools in the Far Western US Region	13	17	View Report
Best Criminology Schools in the Far Western US Region	13	17	View Report
Best General Biology Schools in Washington	14	23	View Report
Best Biological & Biomedical Sciences Schools in Washington	14	25	View Report
Best Psychology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	14	20	View Report
Best Psychology Schools in Washington	14	22	View Report
Best Visual & Performing Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	14	19	View Report
Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in Washington	15	22	View Report

How PLU Ranks for Value

Top Value Majors

PLU has 359 best-value majors, including its placement in the Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the Far Western US Region Ranking.

The best rankings are listed below:

Ranking Name	Rank	Out Of	Details
Best Value Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Schools in Washington	1	7	View Report
Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in Washington	1	2	View Report
Best Value Nursing Practice Schools in Washington	2	5	View Report
Best Value Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the Far Western US Region	3	7	View Report
Best Value Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Value Criminology Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Value Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Value Criminology Schools in Washington	3	4	View Report
Best Value Speech Communication Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	9	View Report
Best Value Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	8	View Report
Best Value Exercise Science Schools in Washington	4	8	View Report
Best Value Health & Physical Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	9	View Report
Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	9	View Report
Best Value Fine Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	4	5	View Report
Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Washington	4	5	View Report
Best Value Speech Communication Schools in Washington	5	10	View Report
Best Value General Mathematics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	8	View Report
Best Value General Mathematics Schools in Washington	5	8	View Report
Best Value Mathematics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	8	View Report
Best Value Mathematics Schools in Washington	5	8	View Report
Best Value Health & Physical Education Schools in Washington	5	10	View Report
Best Value Social Work Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	8	View Report
Best Value Social Work Schools in Washington	5	8	View Report
Best Value Theater Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Value Drama & Theater Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Value Drama & Theater Arts Schools in Washington	5	6	View Report
Best Value Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	12	View Report
Best Value Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	12	View Report
Best Value Teacher Development & Methodology Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Value Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness Studies Schools in Washington	6	11	View Report
Best Value General Chemistry Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value General Chemistry Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value Chemistry Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value Chemistry Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value General Physics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	6	View Report
Best Value General Physics Schools in Washington	6	6	View Report
Best Value Physics Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	6	View Report
Best Value Physics Schools in Washington	6	6	View Report
Best Value Political Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	12	View Report
Best Value Political Science Schools in Washington	6	12	View Report
Best Value Social Work Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Value Social Work Schools in Washington	6	9	View Report
Best Value Fine & Studio Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Value Fine & Studio Arts Schools in Washington	6	8	View Report
Best Value General Music Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value General Music Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value Music Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	6	7	View Report
Best Value Communication & Media Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	13	View Report
Best Value Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	10	View Report
Best Value Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling Schools in the Far Western US Region	7	24	View Report
Best Value Physical Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	9	View Report
Best Value Political Science & Government Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	7	13	View Report
Best Value Political Science & Government Schools in Washington	7	13	View Report
Best Value Music Schools in Washington	7	9	View Report
Best Value Biology Studies Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	15	View Report
Best Value Communication & Media Studies Schools in Washington	8	14	View Report
Best Value General Psychology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	17	View Report
Best Value General Psychology Schools in Washington	8	17	View Report
Best Value General Psychology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	17	View Report
Best Value General Psychology Schools in Washington	8	17	View Report
Best Value Social Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	8	14	View Report
Best Value General Biology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	9	16	View Report
Best Value Biological & Biomedical Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	9	18	View Report
Best Value Psychology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	9	20	View Report
Best Value Psychology Schools in Washington	9	20	View Report
Best Value Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	9	13	View Report
Best Value Criminology Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	9	13	View Report
Best Value Social Sciences Schools in Washington	9	15	View Report
Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	9	12	View Report
Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in Washington	9	13	View Report
Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Washington	11	16	View Report
Best Value Nursing Practice Schools in the Far Western US Region	11	25	View Report
Best Value Registered Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	17	View Report
Best Value Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	17	View Report
Best Value Criminology Schools in the Far Western US Region	11	15	View Report
Best Value Criminology Schools in the Far Western US Region	11	15	View Report
Best Value Visual & Performing Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	11	19	View Report
Best Value Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Schools in the Far Western US Region	12	18	View Report
Best Value Mental & Social Health Services Schools in Washington	12	21	View Report
Best Value Teacher Education Grade Specific Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	14	17	View Report
Best Value Visual & Performing Arts Schools in Washington	14	22	View Report
Best Value Biology Studies Schools in Washington	15	22	View Report
Best Value Computer Science Schools in Washington	15	22	View Report
Best Value Computer Science Schools in Washington	15	22	View Report
Best Value Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	15	22	View Report
Best Value General Biology Schools in Washington	16	23	View Report
Best Value Biological & Biomedical Sciences Schools in Washington	16	25	View Report
Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	18	26	View Report
Best Value Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	20	36	View Report
Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools	20	39	View Report
Best Value Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region	20	48	View Report
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in Washington	21	23	View Report
Best Value Teacher Development & Methodology Schools in the Far Western US Region	22	29	View Report
Best Value Health Professions Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	22	28	View Report
Best Value General Business Administration and Management Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	24	31	View Report
Best Value Business Administration & Management Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington	24	32	View Report
Best Value Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods Schools in the Far Western US Region	24	35	View Report

More About the Rankings

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Notes and References

These rankings are based primarily on data from the U.S. Department of Education, 2026 edition.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.