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Colleges / Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate89%

Pacific Lutheran University Admissions

It is moderately difficult to get into Pacific Lutheran University. The university admitted 89% of all applicants in 2022. Last year, 3,332 students applied to Pacific Lutheran University and 2,962 were admitted.

If you are considering submitting an application to Pacific Lutheran University, there is no application fee, which means it is free to apply.

Pacific Lutheran University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of Pacific Lutheran University's admissions stats.

Pacific Lutheran University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 3.7
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class 27%
Mean SAT Score 1325
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 4%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs 1%
Waitlist No

Pacific Lutheran University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Pacific Lutheran University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I No
Early Decision II
Early Action No

Want to Apply Early to Pacific Lutheran University?


Pacific Lutheran University does not offer early decision or early action.

➡️ Explore a list of some selective colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Pacific Lutheran University Admissions


Transferring to Pacific Lutheran University

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does Pacific Lutheran University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when deciding who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are are most important in the admissions process. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that prioritize the areas where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at Pacific Lutheran University

Wondering what factors are considered by Pacific Lutheran University during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Application Essay Very Important
Character/Personal Qualities Important
Extracurricular Activities Important
Recommendation(s) Important
Talent/Ability Important
Volunteer Work Important
Academic GPA Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Geographical Residence Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status Considered
Standardized Test Scores Considered
State Residency Considered
Work Experience Considered
First Generation Considered

Make sure to check with Pacific Lutheran University for more information on admission factors.

Pacific Lutheran University Application Requirements

To apply to Pacific Lutheran University, all applicants must submit the following items. Double check with Pacific Lutheran University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Minimum High School GPA (On 4.0 Scale) 2.5
Transcript(S) of College Record
Letter(s) of Recommendation 1
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Pacific Lutheran University?

Students admitted to Pacific Lutheran University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.7.

Out of all students that were admitted, 53% submitted a class rank. At Pacific Lutheran University 27% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 61% were in the top 25% and 91% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Pacific Lutheran University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA Percent of Students
4.0 GPA 22.57%
3.75 and 3.99 28.4%
3.50 and 3.74 22.18%
3.25 and 3.49 16.54%
3.00 and 3.24 8.37%
2.50 and 2.9 1.17%
2.00 and 2.49

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Pacific Lutheran University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Pacific Lutheran University is test optional. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 4% of Pacific Lutheran University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 1% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Pacific Lutheran University?

To be competitive with other Pacific Lutheran University applicants, you should aim to earn between 1300 and 1385 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Pacific Lutheran University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1385 and 25% of scored lower than 1300, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Pacific Lutheran University student is 1325.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Pacific Lutheran University students scored 705 or higher and 75% of students scored 640 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Pacific Lutheran University students scored 718 or higher, and 75% scored a 640 or higher.

To be most competitive at Pacific Lutheran University, you should strive to earn between 27 and 30 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 30 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Pacific Lutheran University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 30, and three out of four students scored lower than 30 on the ACT.

A 27 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Pacific Lutheran University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 27.

More Information on Transferring to Pacific Lutheran University

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to Pacific Lutheran University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is August 1.

Transfer students can enroll in Pacific Lutheran University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


Pacific Lutheran University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Pacific Lutheran University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Pacific Lutheran University.

Does Pacific Lutheran University accept transfer credits?

✅ Pacific Lutheran University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Pacific Lutheran University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Pacific Lutheran University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Pacific Lutheran University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Pacific Lutheran University?

❌ No, Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you probably want to include them. If your scores are average or below average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is Pacific Lutheran University's acceptance rate?

✅ The acceptance rate for Pacific Lutheran University is 89%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Pacific Lutheran University?

❌ Pacific Lutheran University does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About Pacific Lutheran University?

Choose one of the options below to find out more about about Pacific Lutheran University:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Visit the College Confidential forums to join the conversation about Pacific Lutheran University

Explore other colleges in Washington or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Pacific Lutheran University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

89%

How hard is it to get into Pacific Lutheran University? Pacific Lutheran University is a somewhat selective institution. The Pacific Lutheran University acceptance rate is 89%. This means that the institution accepts 88 out of every 100 applicants.

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Pacific Lutheran University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Not available

Transfer Applications are Due

Aug 1

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Pacific Lutheran University is Aug 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Pacific Lutheran University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1300 - 1385

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Math SAT Range

613 - 705

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Reading SAT Range

640 - 718

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1385 and Above

Good

1300 to 1385

Avg

1300 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Pacific Lutheran University students is 1325. Applicants with SAT scores of 1385 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Pacific Lutheran University, while applicants with SAT scores between 1300 to 1385 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1300 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Pacific Lutheran University.

Pacific Lutheran University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

3.67

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Pacific Lutheran University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.67. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

2,633

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

89%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$50,272

Out-of-State

$50,272

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Unknown
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