Pacific Lutheran University vs California State University-Sacramento

Tacoma, WA — Sacramento, CA

Metric
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Location Tacoma, WA Sacramento, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 2,401 28,350
Acceptance Rate 78.0% 94.0%
SAT Average 1,168
In-State Tuition $52,254 $8,018
Out-of-State Tuition $52,254 $20,618
Avg Net Price $19,589 $9,338
Median Debt at Graduation $22,578 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 69.8% 56.1%
Retention Rate 81.9% 81.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $52,212 $51,074
Median Earnings (10 yr) $66,990 $64,876
Loan Repayment Rate 143100.0% 911700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA
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California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pacific Lutheran University and California State University-Sacramento compare?
Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) has an acceptance rate of 78.0%, in-state tuition of $52,254, and median 10-year earnings of $66,990. California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento, CA) has an acceptance rate of 94.0%, in-state tuition of $8,018, and median 10-year earnings of $64,876.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pacific Lutheran University or California State University-Sacramento?
Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $66,990 vs $64,876. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pacific Lutheran University or California State University-Sacramento?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Sacramento is the more affordable option at $9,338 per year versus $19,589.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pacific Lutheran University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 69.8% vs 56.1%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025