PLU vs. Saint Martin's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA with Saint Martin's University in Lacey, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Saint Martin's University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 1,390 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting); Saint Martin's University is in Lacey, WA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Martin's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Lutheran University 12:1; Saint Martin's University 11:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 14.1% lower than at Saint Martin's University ($13,008 vs. $15,152).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at PLU than at Saint Martin's University (about $6,744 more per year; $52,254 vs. $45,510).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Martin's University than at Pacific Lutheran University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 20.6% larger than aid received by Saint Martin's University students ($40,573 vs. $33,654).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 7 points higher at PLU than at Saint Martin's University (25 vs. 18, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both PLU and Saint Martin's University.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027; Saint Martin's University Jul 31, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at PLU average a 3.71 high school GPA, 0.25 higher than at Saint Martin's University (3.46).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at PLU vs. 12.8% at Saint Martin's University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Martin's University graduates have a $800 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Saint Martin's University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Martin's University students, three years after graduation (74% vs. 66%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.