Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, Washington
Pacific Lutheran University is a private institution in Tacoma, Washington with 2,350 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $50,964 compared with a Washington nursing-school average of $12,913. The school reports a graduation rate of 71.0%, median earnings of $66,990, and median federal debt of $22,578.
$50,964 is higher than the state average of $12,913.
71.0% is higher than the state average of 45.3%.
$66,990 is higher than the state average of $48,006.
About Pacific Lutheran University
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.plu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $50,964 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,964 |
| Total Enrollment | 2,350 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80.5% |
| Graduation Rate | 71.0% |
| Retention Rate | 79.4% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $66,990 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,578 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $239 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 32.8% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 44.0% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.4 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
32.8% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 44.0% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Pacific Lutheran University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $203,856, while the reported median debt is $22,578 with an estimated monthly payment of $239. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (45.9%), followed by Hispanic students (18.8%) and Asian students (11.4%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($66,990) divided by median debt ($22,578)