Pacific Lutheran University

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Pacific Lutheran University

PLU is the small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration - it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Our students aren’t afraid to do things differently to leave the world better than they found it.

Academic Programs

  • Art & Design
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Kinesiology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Performing Arts
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Community Service
  • Disability Services
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Religious Affiliation
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

First Year applicants are high school seniors or students who have completed high school or a GED but not taken any college-level courses. Students participating in college-in-the-high-school programs like Washington’s Running Start or others must still complete a first year application, and are considered first-year with advanced standing. When reviewing applications, PLU computes a weighted GPA for IB, AP, Honors, or Accelerated courses, used in the admission, financial aid, and scholarship process. PLU is a test optional school and practices a holistic review of admission applications.

Transfer

You may apply as a transfer student if you have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent diploma, and seek to transfer college-level credit to PLU from regionally accredited colleges or universities. To be considered for transfer admission to PLU, you need a minimum college-level GPA of at least 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) and one year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) of college level, academic coursework. If you wish to apply for admission with less than 30 semester hours of transferable credit, you must submit an official high school transcript or equivalent.

Additional Information

Financial Aid
99% of PLU students receive financial aid, after which the average cost goes down to just over $19,000. PLU is ranked the #1 school in Washington and the #9 school in the U.S. for financial aid.

Scholarships
Academic scholarships range from $8,000-$32,000 per year. For students with a 3.8+ or higher weighted GPA, or a 1310+ SAT score, or a 28+ ACT score, we encourage them to apply by December 1 for our competitive top academic and leadership PLU Presidential Scholarships, which range from $34,000 to full-tuition per year. We also offer $1,000-$7,500 per year Artistic Achievement Scholarships, which stack on top of academic scholarships, and are available in the areas of music, theatre, art, and dance. Find details about all PLU scholarship opportunities at www.plu.edu/admission/scholarships.

Fixed Tuition Guarantee
The PLU Fixed Tuition Guarantee ensures that your cost of tuition will be locked in from your first day until your graduation day. This Fixed Tuition Guarantee, along with scholarships, financial aid, and other initiatives by PLU to reduce financial risk, allows students and families to better plan for college costs over time and avoid unexpected financial challenges. Find more information at www.plu.edu/tuition

Visit us

You’re invited to come see PLU! Tour campus with a current student guide, meet with your PLU admission counselor to learn more about applying and financial aid, sit in on a class, and eat lunch in our dining commons. We can further personalize your visit by helping you set up a meeting with a professor and/or athletics coach and an overnight stay in a residence hall with a current student. The easiest way to request an individualized visit is online at www.plu.edu/visit. Or, keep an eye out and RSVP for one of our big campus visit events!

"At PLU, the classes are small, and you get to know your classmates and your professors, so you have access to the support you need. You will be challenged and have to work hard, but PLU prioritizes access to student wellbeing services, accommodations, but also and importantly, inclusivity, and identity."

Dannie, Student, Class of 2022
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Admissions office

Visit us

School location
Address

Pacific Lutheran University, Office of Admission
Tacoma, WA 98447, United States of America

Phone number

(253) 535-7151

Region

West

West