NNU vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID 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 NNU based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

NNU vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU 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 NNU ($22,299 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 7.2% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($12,070 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 28.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NNU (about $11,460 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $40,794.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.1% higher at PLU than at Northwest Nazarene University (about $11,460 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $40,794.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Pacific Lutheran University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 61.3% larger than aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students ($40,573 vs. $25,146).

NNU vs. PLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU 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 NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 30 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming PLU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at NNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at NNU (3.59).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 14.1% at PLU.

NNU vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU 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 Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $200 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($25,800 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

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.