Tacoma, WA · Private University
Is Pacific Lutheran University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$66,990
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$50,964
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,964
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$203,856
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.31x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
71.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,578
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$21,370
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn $21,990 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Pacific Lutheran University ranked by graduate earnings
27 graduates
117 graduates
87 graduates
17 graduates
24 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Pacific Lutheran University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Pacific Lutheran University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $102,752) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $25,754) is $76,998/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $102,752 | 2.0x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $76,825 | 1.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $61,439 | 1.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas(1yr data) | $57,683 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $57,442 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,775 | 1.1x |
| Sociology | $50,401 | 1.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $48,683 | 1.0x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $47,438 | 0.9x |
| Chemistry(1yr data) | $44,555 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, General | $44,319 | 0.9x |
| Economics(1yr data) | $43,806 | 0.9x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $43,793 | 0.9x |
| Biology, General | $40,169 | 0.8x |
| Music | $38,274 | 0.8x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $35,825 | 0.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $30,096 | 0.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $25,754 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Pacific Lutheran University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $66,990 10 years after starting, $21,990 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.4 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.