Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid. Strong support for lower-income students.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Pacific Lutheran University
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$52K
+
Room
$13K
+
Books
$785
=
Sticker Price
$62,459
$52K+$13K+$785=$62,459
Your Family Income
Sticker
$62,459
−
Your Aid
$46,703
=
Net Price
$15,756
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Pacific Lutheran University Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$62,459
Tuition and Fees
$52,254
Room and Board
$13,008
Books and Supplies
$785
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$42,870
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$19,589
Pacific Lutheran University Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$13,609
$30–48k
$12,948
$48–75k
$15,756
$75–110k
$22,535
$110k+
$26,915
Understanding Your Aid Package
Pacific Lutheran University has a sticker price of $62,459 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $62,459/year
Average aid: $42,870 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$15,756/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$13,609/year
35% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
35%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
30%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$22,578
Range (25th–75th)$10,000 – $29,876
Median Parent PLUS Loans$25,000
Debt Manageability
0.35x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.1%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$66,990
Earnings Growth
+28%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$1,084
63th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$44,167
25th %ile
$88,955
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Lutheran University Cost & Financial Aid
Pacific Lutheran University's published tuition is $62,459 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $15,756—a difference of $46,703.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $13,609 at Pacific Lutheran University. 35% of students receive Pell Grants.
Pacific Lutheran University offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Pacific graduates is $22,578, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $239 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $26,915 at Pacific—still $35,544 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
