MLC vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Martin Luther College is located in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Martin Luther College 10:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

MLC vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MLC 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 Martin Luther College than PLU ($18,974 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 39.3% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($7,900 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 188.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MLC (about $34,134 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 188.4% higher at PLU than at Martin Luther College (about $34,134 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 294.8% larger than aid received by Martin Luther College students ($40,573 vs. $10,276).

MLC vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MLC 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 MLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 20 points higher than at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at MLC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 1078/1256; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 22/27; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MLC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); PLU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at MLC (3.56).
• MLC has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at MLC vs. 14.1% at PLU.

MLC vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MLC 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).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Pacific Lutheran University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Martin Luther College graduates have a $2,675 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($23,125 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, MLC graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($239 vs. $266).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 74%)

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.