Methodist vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC 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 Methodist based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Methodist University is located in Fayetteville, NC (Midsize City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Methodist University 11:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Methodist vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Methodist 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 Methodist ($22,299 vs. $26,334).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 8.7% lower than at Methodist University ($13,008 vs. $14,250).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 26.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Methodist (about $11,004 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $41,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.7% higher at PLU than at Methodist University (about $11,004 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $41,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Methodist University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 37.6% larger than aid received by Methodist University students ($40,573 vs. $29,476).

Methodist vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Methodist 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 Methodist.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Methodist University (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 Methodist).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Methodist University 1080/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Methodist University 22/27; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Methodist - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Methodist (3.58).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Methodist (75.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Methodist vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Methodist vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Methodist 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).

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Methodist University's (39%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Methodist graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Methodist graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Methodist graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Methodist students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 49%)

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.