Pacific Lutheran University Admission
Acceptance Rate
78.02%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
14.12%
Freshmen Enrollment
550
SAT Scores
1,160
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 4,992 students have applied and 3,895 students have allowed to admit to Pacific Lutheran University (Acceptance rate: 78.02%). PLU's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 14.12 % where 550 students have finally enrolled out of 3,895 admitted students.
PLU acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Washington. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as The Evergreen State College and Northwest University, its acceptance rate is average (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 89.78%).
PLU enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Washington. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 23.36%).
How to Apply to Pacific Lutheran University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply PLU. PLU offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.plu.edu/admission/ |
|---|---|
| Online Application | www.plu.edu/admission/first-year/ |
| Financial Aid | www.plu.edu/financial-aid/ |
| Net Price Calculator | www.plu.edu/financial-aid/HEOA-Required-Consumer-Information/net-price-calculator.php |
| Veterans Tuition | www.plu.edu/admission-military/ |
| Disability Service | www.plu.edu/oaa/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at PLU and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Pacific Lutheran University is 1,160 and the average ACT score is 25. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Pacific Lutheran University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,187). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Lutheran University | 1,160 | 25 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,187 | 26 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Washington | 1,180 | 74 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Pacific Lutheran University, 81 students submitted SAT scores (15% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,160 and it is around average than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Washington. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 540 | 610 | 660 |
| Mathematics | 500 | 550 | 600 |
| Total | 1,040 | 1,160 | 1,260 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Pacific Lutheran University, 12 students submitted ACT scores (2% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 25 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Washington. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 22 | 25 | 28 |
| English | 21 | 24 | 26 |
| Mathematics | 19 | 26 | 29 |
PLU Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Pacific Lutheran University. The school requires 3 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, and Legacy status.
6 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school rank, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, Admission test scores, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Considered, if submitted |
| Recommendations | Considered, if submitted |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Considered, if submitted |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |