Pacific Lutheran University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
PLU’s 78% acceptance rate means your strategy should focus on presenting a steady academic record, not treating admission as a long shot. With an average merit award above $31,000, scholarship details and deadlines deserve real attention. Since PLU is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT scores only if they strengthen your grades and course rigor.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Pacific Lutheran University facts and stats
Pacific Lutheran University enrolls 2,446 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. PLU’s freshman retention rate is 82%, above the national average of roughly 70%. The university reports a 69% 6-year graduation rate, with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Tacoma, WA
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Key Pacific Lutheran University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional PLU, aim to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a possible retake and superscoring opportunity. Because PLU’s Regular Decision deadline is August 1, senior-year fall retakes will generally be too late for that deadline, so have any scores you want reviewed ready by then.
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What you'll actually pay
Tuition and fees at PLU are $51,560, and 65% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $31,092, giving applicants a meaningful scholarship opportunity.
At PLU, tuition and fees plus room and board total $65,270 before aid. About 65% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $48,037. Merit scholarships are also a major part of the picture, with an average merit award of $31,092. Graduates leave with an average debt of $28,087.
Student life at Pacific Lutheran University
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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Centralia, WAAcceptance rate: 90.3%
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