Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University

Founded in 1890 by Norwegian pioneers, PLU is an exemplar of the New American University—integrating the liberal arts, professional studies and civic engagement—in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With distinctive international programs and close student-faculty research opportunities, PLU seeks to educate its 3,300 students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care—for other people, for their communities and for the Earth. The distinctive tradition of Lutheran higher education helps students from all faiths and backgrounds discern their life’s vocation through coursework, mentorship and internships at world-class Puget Sound-area businesses and institutions. Located in the Parkland neighbourhood of Tacoma, Washington, PLU is set in a region that also offers vast opportunities for outdoor recreation, culture and sports.


Location & Facilities:

Pacific Lutheran University is located six miles south of Tacoma, in suburban Parkland, Washington, on a 156-acre woodland campus. PLU offers approximately 3,500 students a unique blend of academically rigorous liberal arts and professional programs.

PLU is the first American university to have Study Away classes on all seven continents simultaneously; it is also the first private university on the West Coast to receive the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. An honouree on President Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, PLU hosts an Emmy Award-winning Media Lab; a MacArthur Award-winning detachment of Army ROTC; an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning public radio station, KPLU; and more than 100 clubs and activities, including 19 varsity athletic teams in the Northwest Conference of NCAA Division III.

 List of Departments:

The university offers 44 majors and 54 minors as well as graduate and professional programs in business administration, creative writing, education, finance, marketing research, marriage and family therapy and nursing.

Division of Humanities
Division of Natural Sciences
Division of Social Sciences
School of Arts and Communication
School of Business
School of Education & Kinesiology
School of Nursing

Scholarships:

97% of PLU students qualify for some kind of financial aid More than 75 million dollars in financial aid are administered to PLU students each year. PLU Scholarships range from $1,000 to full tuition per year.