Challenge. Support. Success. They are the PLU experience. At PLU you will be challenged to achieve at the peak of your ability, given support to meet that challenge and resultantly find success in both college and your chosen career. Based in the suburban Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, on a 156-acre woodland campus, PLU offers approximately 3,200 students a blend of academically rigorous liberal arts and professional programs. The university offers three pathways to academic distinction: global education and service to the world; robust student-faculty collaborative research and creative projects; and helping students discern meaning and purpose in their lives.
The ratings below reflect the extent to which each organization exceeds the benchmark standards for Military Friendly®.
Academic Policies & Compliance
Military Friendly® Standard
100%
Exceeds Standard
71.43%
Admissions & Orientation
Military Friendly® Standard
100%
Exceeds Standard
61.62%
Culture & Commitment
Military Friendly® Standard
100%
Exceeds Standard
97.44%
Financial Aid & Assistance
Military Friendly® Standard
100%
Exceeds Standard
6.93%
Graduation & Career
Military Friendly® Standard
100%
Exceeds Standard
43.50%
Military Student Support & Retention
Military Friendly® Standard
100%
Exceeds Standard
69.80%
Why you should attend?
Pacific Lutheran University is a military supportive campus located one mile from the support and resources of Joint Base Lewis McChord and between VA medical centers in Lakewood and Seattle. Our Yellow Ribbon program means that tuition and fees are generally covered for students who are 100% eligible for their Post 9/11 GI Bill. Our Director of Military Outreach, two VA Certifying Officials and a Vet Corp rep ensure student success through two veteran resource centers. Partnerships with numerous local military supportive community members ensure resources off campus as well. Our ROTC program won the MacArthur award 3 times in a recent 4 year period.
Why we are a great choice for military spouses?
Our school has instituted policies to address the concerns and needs of military spouses and their families. We've constructed our admissions, retention, career counseling, and mentoring programs to help alleviate the difficulties faced by military spouses. Our flexible learning options and degree continuation programs are designed to accommodate deployments and relocation.
Ratings
Top Degrees
A program that prepares individuals to practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
A program that focuses on the comprehensive study of communication, and that spans the study of mass communication/media studies, old and new media technologies, social and political applications, and speech communication and rhetoric. Includes instruction in interpersonal, group, organizational, and intercultural communication; theories of communication; critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion; written communication; printed, electronic, and digital media; rhetorical tradition and criticism; media, society, and culture; consequences and effects of mass media; media social science and criticism; and quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry.
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter.
A scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Includes instruction in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management.
A program that generally prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labor relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources law and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.
A program that prepares individuals to apply business, coaching and physical education principles to the organization, administration and management of athletic programs and teams, fitness/rehabilitation facilities and health clubs, sport recreation services, and related services. Includes instruction in program planning and development; business and financial management principles; sales, marketing and recruitment; event promotion, scheduling and management; facilities management; public relations; legal aspects of sports; and applicable health and safety standards.
Undergraduate
Graduate
In State
Out of State
In State
Out of State
Tuition
$41,696
$41,696
$22,983
$22,983
Fees
$370
$370
N/A
N/A
Room
$5,790
$5,790
$5,790
$5,790
Board
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
Books
$900
$900
$840
$840
Other Expenses
$2,808
$2,808
$2,808
$2,808
Totals
$56,564
$56,564
N/A
N/A
Approved for Post 9/11 GI Bill
Committed to the 8 Keys to Veterans' Success
Signed the VA's Principles of Excellence for serving veterans and service members
Utilize the Federal Financial Aid Shopping Sheet
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Funding
DOD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tuition Assistance
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Network
Waives the admission application fee for military students and veterans
Awards college credit for passing scores on CLEP exam
Awards college credit for passing scores on DSST exam
Award college credit for military training and experience according to the ACE recommendation guidelines
Provide admissions events or special admissions information sessions customized for prospective students who are military service members
Customized student orientation program for military students
Mentoring/on-boarding programs for new military students or veterans
Compliant with Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 ("Choice Act")
Active duty or reserve military student returns without penalty after deployment
Returning student receive reimbursement or remission of course fees
On-campus living requirement for students at any point in their enrollment
Explicit commitment to serving the military and veteran community
Commitment incorporated into the institution’s mission, vision and values
Formal policy in place regarding business conduct and compliance when admitting, educating, advising, and placing military and/or veteran students
Academic support/tutoring
Academic advising
Study skills workshops
Financial aid counseling
Career planning services
Mental health counseling
Transition Assistance
Accommodations for military students with disabilities
Full-time veteran counselors or advisors on staff
Formal mentoring or advising program in which faculty or staff members who are current or former members of the military mentor students who are military service members or veterans
Dedicated social space for gathering (e.g. a student lounge or veteran center) reserved specifically for military service members and veterans
Campus/social networking events planned specifically for veterans?
Specialized career guidance counseling or other programs to help military students identify careers to pursue
Industry-employer relationship programs available to active duty military students and veterans to assist with post-graduate employment outcomes
