Tacoma, WA · Private Nonprofit

Pacific Lutheran University Cost, Tuition and Student Budget 2026

Pacific Lutheran University cost profile summarizes tuition, total annual cost, average net price, student debt, median earnings, graduation outcomes, and value signals for 2026 budget-focused university comparison.

Budget Snapshot Moderate value signal Value Score:
Total Cost$62,459
Net Price$19,589
Median Earnings$66,990
Graduation Rate68.6%
Median Debt$17,074
Admission Rate78%
Student Count2,401
SAT Average1,168

Pacific Lutheran University Student Budget Calculator 2026

Estimate how much money you may still need per year using this university's reported cost data plus your grants, family support, savings, work income, and student loans.

Estimated annual cost $19,589
Money available $0
Still needed per year $19,589
Monthly gap $1,632

Four-year projection: about $78,356 still needed over four years if the same gap repeats.

Loan projection: borrowing $0 per year equals about $0 over four years, compared with reported median debt of $17,074.

This calculator is an estimate. Actual aid, housing, residency status, program fees, family income, and borrowing limits can change the final budget.

University Cost and Earnings View

Money Profile

Median earnings$66,990Total cost$62,459Net price$19,589Median debt$17,074

Value Score Comparison

Pacific Lutheran Univer...59.7Dataset avg54.3WA avg56.5
Median earnings20% better than dataset average
$66,990
Total annual cost44% weaker than dataset average
$62,459
Average net price9% better than dataset average
$19,589
Graduation rate11.8 percentage points better than dataset average
68.6%
Median debt5% weaker than dataset average
$17,074

How This University Cost Compares

Dataset Average

Value Score: 54.3

Net Price: $21,437

Earnings: $55,928

WA Average

Value Score: 56.5

Net Price: $24,545

Earnings: $62,325

Best Use of This Page

Compare this university against schools with similar location, type, net price, total cost, debt, and earnings. A high value score is useful, but graduation rate and debt should be read together with it.

Student Fit Signals

  • Affordability: Net price is $19,589, compared with reported total cost of $62,459.
  • Outcomes: Median earnings are $66,990 and the graduation rate is 68.6%.
  • Debt pressure: Median debt is $17,074, while the loan share is 44.2%.
  • Access profile: Admission rate is 78% and Pell Grant share is 35.3%.
Full University Cost Data Snapshot
School TypePrivate Nonprofit
LocationTacoma, WA
Admission Rate78%
In-State Tuition$52,254
Out-of-State Tuition$52,254
Total Cost$62,459
Net Price$19,589
Median Earnings$66,990
Graduation Rate68.6%
Median Debt$17,074
Pell Grant Share35.3%
Loan Share44.2%
Average Faculty Salary$8,581
Official WebsiteVisit website

Value Score Methodology

Value Score = earnings 26.8 + graduation 17.1 + net price 8.5 + total cost 2.2 + debt 5.1 = 59.7/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt.

Earnings26.8$66,990 · max 40 pts
Graduation17.168.6% · max 25 pts
Net Price8.5$19,589 · max 15 pts
Total Cost2.2$62,459 · max 10 pts
Debt5.1$17,074 · max 10 pts

The score is a comparison signal on a 0-100 scale. It is not a guarantee of future salary, admission outcome, financial aid, or final student cost.