About Pacific Lutheran University
Established in 1890, Pacific Lutheran University is a small, private university in Tacoma, Washington. Rooted in a Lutheran heritage, PLU is committed to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. It is dedicated to embracing the future while remaining grounded in the University’s history and values. PLU’s mission is to “educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care — for other people, for their communities and for the Earth.”
Today, Pacific Lutheran University offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs. As an example of embracing the future, PLU offers many courses and a couple of degrees 100% online. PLU online degrees provide high-quality options that meet students’ needs while fostering strong student-faculty relationships and learning communities. Online learning offers schedule flexibility and “independent, individualized, technology-rich learning experiences.”
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Accreditation & Licensing
Pacific Lutheran University is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Evangelical Lutheran ChurchGraduate Enrollment:
523Fully Online Graduate Students:
2%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,578Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
94%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$38,262Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesPacific Lutheran University moves at a serious academic pace. Reading and homework can be heavy each week. That matters for students balancing school, work, and family life.
In nursing, classes like pathophysiology are challenging and very useful. This is a demanding path, but it builds strong skills for practice.
Cost is a key part of planning at PLU. As a private school, tuition is high, and aid can make a big difference for many families. Some students also look at faster options, including a 16-month BSN ABSN track, to manage time and total cost.
At Pacific Lutheran University, support feels personal and easy to reach. In small classes, students can get help quickly. Professors are known for being approachable, caring, and willing to meet one on one.
That kind of access helps students get clear answers and keep up with reading and assignments. It also helps them stay on track when coursework gets busy. Many students turn to instructors they know and trust.
The close learning community gives students steady advising and practical guidance each day. This creates a supportive path from class to class and term to term.
Pacific Lutheran University is a good fit for online learners who want small, structured classes. In one literature course, the class size was very small. Heavy reading and regular homework keep students on a steady pace.
A key strength at PLU is access to instructors. Professors are caring, easy to reach, and helpful in one-on-one support. That close contact can help online students stay on track in challenging courses.
At PLU, classes often feel personal and built for discussion. Some are very small, while others are larger. Even with that mix, many students still get regular time with professors and more one-on-one support than at many big schools.
Coursework moves at a steady, demanding pace. Reading and homework can be heavy, especially in nursing. Students describe pathophysiology as tough but very useful. Teaching is strongest when instructors stay closely involved.
Overall, PLU is a good fit for learners who want close faculty relationships and can handle a full workload.
PLU is mostly positive, with a clear center. Classes are often small. Professors know students and offer direct help. One class had seven students.
That kind of access shapes the experience. The pace is demanding. Reading and homework are heavy. Cost is the main pressure point.
Tuition is high, and aid often decides value. Nursing is mixed: strong instructor advocacy and clinical preparation, but weaker communication and coordination in preceptorship and senior-year logistics.
PLU is mostly positive, with a clear center. Classes are often small. Professors know students and offer direct help. One class had seven students.
That kind of access shapes the experience. The pace is demanding. Reading and homework are heavy. Cost is the main pressure point.
Tuition is high, and aid often decides value. Nursing is mixed: strong instructor advocacy and clinical preparation, but weaker communication and coordination in preceptorship and senior-year logistics.
Online Programs offered by Pacific Lutheran University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Lutheran University
Is Pacific Lutheran University accredited?
Yes. Pacific Lutheran University is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does Pacific Lutheran University offer?
Pacific Lutheran University offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Pacific Lutheran University offer?
Pacific Lutheran University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Pacific Lutheran University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Pacific Lutheran University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Pacific Lutheran University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Pacific Lutheran University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Pacific Lutheran University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Pacific Lutheran University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is Pacific Lutheran University military friendly?
Pacific Lutheran University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Pacific Lutheran University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Pacific Lutheran University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Essay/Writing Sample. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Pacific Lutheran University accept life experience credit?
Pacific Lutheran University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Pacific Lutheran University programs fully online or mixed?
Pacific Lutheran University includes Mostly Online and 100% Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Pacific Lutheran University offer?
Pacific Lutheran University has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Pacific Lutheran University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Do any Pacific Lutheran University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Pacific Lutheran University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Pacific Lutheran University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Pacific Lutheran University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Pacific Lutheran University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Pacific Lutheran University is located in Washington
Washington at a Glance:
Top Majors in Washington:
Top Incentives in Washington:
- Washington College Grant: Full tuition coverage possible
Top Career Pathways in Washington:
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($95,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($145,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($195,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure