Northwest University vs. PLU

Should I go to Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Northwest University or PLU is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Northwest University vs. Pacific Lutheran University comparison
Northwest University Pacific Lutheran University College 3 College 4
Northwest University Pacific Lutheran University
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Overview

Northwest University PLU
Location Kirkland, WA Tacoma, WA
Setting Large Suburban Large Suburban
Enrollment 1,014 2,633
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #360 #311
Religious Affiliation Assemblies of God Church Evangelical Lutheran Church - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website northwestu.edu plu.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Northwest University PLU
Tuition (In State) $34,500 $49,472
Tuition (Out of State) $34,500 $49,472
Room & Board $10,140 $11,826
Avg Net Price $23,722 $24,825
Avg Grant Aid $22,486 $36,435
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 99%

Admission

Northwest University PLU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 383 3,334
Admitted 361 2,964
Acceptance Rate 94.3% 88.9%
Enrolled % 43.2% 17.7%
Avg High School GPA 3.41 3.71
Typical High School Grades B+ A-
Admissions Standards Difficult Very High
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 22/30 27/30
SAT Range 1050/1320 1253/1423
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2024 Aug 15, 2024

Academics

Northwest University PLU
Student to Faculty Ratio 9:1 11:1
Popular Majors
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (23%)
  • Business (16%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Communication (10%)
  • Business (14%)
  • Social Sciences (12%)
  • Health Professions (8%)
  • Communication (7%)
  • Education (6%)

Outcomes

Northwest University PLU
Graduation Rate 50% 66%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $41,400 $52,300
Making Student Loan Payments 62% 74%
Median Student Loan Debt $21,532 $25,800
Median Loan Payment $222 $266

Diversity

Northwest University PLU
% Men 35% 36%
% Women 65% 64%
Racial Diversity Medium Medium
HBCU No No
% White 69% 68%
% Black 5% 3%
% Hispanic 8% 8%
% Native American 1% 1%
% Pacific Islander 1% 1%
% Two or More Races 5% 7%
% International 4% 4%
% Unknown Race 2% 1%

Students

Northwest University PLU
% In-State 79% 74%
% Out-of-State 18% 22%

Campus

Northwest University PLU
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Pacific Lutheran University is larger than than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (2,633 students vs. 1,014 students)

Northwest University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest University or PLU?

  • Pacific Lutheran University is 43.4% more expensive to attend than Northwest University for in-state tuition ($49,472.00 vs. $34,500.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 43.4% higher at PLU than Northwest University ($49,472.00 vs. $34,500.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwest University than PLU ($23,722 vs. $24,825)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 16.6% lower than costs at Pacific Lutheran University ($10,140 vs. $11,826)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Northwest University than Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 62% larger than aid received Northwest University ($36,435 vs. $22,486)

Northwest University vs. PLU Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest University or PLU? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between PLU or Northwest University .

  • The average SAT score at Pacific Lutheran University (1117) is 121 points higher than at Northwest University (996)
  • Incoming PLU students have a 3 point higher average ACT score (25) than students at Northwest University (22)
  • Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Northwest University (3.41)
  • Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (94.3%) than PLU (88.9%)

Northwest University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Northwest University or PLU? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between PLU and Northwest University.

  • The graduation rate at PLU is higher than Northwest University (66% vs. 50%)
  • Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn on average $10,900 more per year than Northwest University graduates after ten years. ($52,300 vs. $41,400)
  • Northwest University students graduate with a $4,268 lower median federal student loan debt than PLU graduates. ($21,532 vs. $25,800)
  • Northwest University graduates are paying $44 less per month on federal student loans than PLU graduates. ($222 vs. $266)
  • More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/