Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, Washington, US
Park Avenue South, Tacoma
Last updated: 14/03/2025
School Details
About Pacific Lutheran University
Founded in 1890 by Norwegian pioneers, PLU is an exemplar of the New American University—integrating the liberal arts, professional studies and civic engagement—in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With distinctive international programs and close student-faculty research opportunities, PLU seeks to educate its 3,300 students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care—for other people, for their communities and for the Earth. The distinctive tradition of Lutheran higher education helps students from all faiths and backgrounds discern their life’s vocation through coursework, mentorship and internships at world-class Puget Sound-area businesses and institutions. Located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, PLU is set in a region that also offers vast opportunities for outdoor recreation, culture and sports.
Pacific Lutheran University is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. This commitment derives from PLU's Lutheran heritage, and it defines the University's faculty and staff who work to create an environment where learners feel heard, and valued. It characterizes PLUS's student body, who aren’t afraid to do things differently to leave the world better than they found it.
Recent Accolades:
- Ranked 14th best regional university in the West by U.S. News
- Named #3 in "Best Value Schools" for 2022 by U.S. News and World Report
- Ranked best in Washington State for financial aid by LendEdu
- Ranked #5 in "Best Colleges for Veterans" by U.S. News
- Top 10 Peace Corps Prep certificate-issuing partner
Pacific Lutheran University has created specific-language microsites to better serve a diverse range of interested applicants. Please see the sites linked below:
- Chinese - Simplified
- Chinese - Traditional
- Japanese
- Korean
- Norwegian
- Swedish
- Vietnamese
- Mongolian
- Russian
Why Pacific Lutheran University
- Affordability: PLU knows that college costs can be intimidating, but many students find that once financial aid is factored in, PLU is an affordable option – sometimes comparable to or even less expensive than state schools!
- Student Life: Life as a Lute is about more than just going to class. PLU students are active and involved–in the residence halls; on athletic fields, courts and in the stands; on the stage and in the audience for performing arts; and in scores of campus clubs. Through campus life involvement, students foster belonging by engaging in meaningful dialogue, seeking authenticity, building connections, and opening minds to see community in new, expansive ways.
- Location: Tacoma is the third largest city in Washington and proud to be known as both “Grit City” and “City of Destiny.” PLU is the closest university to Mt. Rainier National Park, minutes away from the water, a short drive to Seattle and an even shorter drive to downtown Tacoma!
- Experiential Learning: Alumni & Student Connections’ career services team is here to help students search and apply for internship opportunities. The team also offers top-notch career planning tools to ensure a seamless transition into the next phase of life for students, while providing continued services to alumni.
- Student Research: PLU emphasizes the importance of student research and creative projects. From summer-long student-faculty research projects in the natural sciences to student-directed plays in theatre, these opportunities have many benefits and help students explore and learn more in-depth about an area of study or future career path that interests them, gain invaluable hands-on experience and organizational skills, and learn to balance independent and collaborative work.
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