DeSales University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare DeSales University in Center Valley, PA with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 2,797 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• DeSales University is located in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: DeSales University 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

DeSales University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DeSales University or PLU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Pacific Lutheran University than DeSales University ($22,299 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 5.7% lower than at DeSales University ($13,008 vs. $13,800).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 11.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than DeSales University (about $5,454 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $46,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.7% higher at PLU than at DeSales University (about $5,454 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $46,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by DeSales University students ($40,573 vs. $30,909).

DeSales University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DeSales University or PLU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between PLU and DeSales University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 30 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at PLU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DeSales University 1090/1260; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DeSales University 27/28; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DeSales University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at DeSales University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

DeSales University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DeSales University and PLU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than DeSales University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $200 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($25,800 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DeSales University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.