Pacific Lutheran University

Applying to PLU

What are the minimum grade point and SAT/ACT requirements?

PLU takes a holistic approach to determining admission requirements. The application essay, course selection, grade trends and any resume or activities are carefully considered along with SAT/ACT scores and GPA. We have no minimum grade point or SAT/ACT score for admittance, however the average incoming freshmen GPA is calculated at 3.6, the average SAT score is 1100 and the average ACT score is 25.

Do you have to be a Lutheran to attend Pacific Lutheran University?

No. Nearly 30 percent of the PLU community is Lutheran, but many students come from other religious and non-religious backgrounds. Campus Ministry is open to students of not only Lutheran heritage, but other faiths as well.

Is chapel required?

Chapel is optional for everyone in the PLU community. Chapel takes place three times a week from 10:30 a.m. until 11a.m. No classes are scheduled during this time and many offices on campus close to allow staff and faculty the opportunity to attend.

Are religion courses required?

To fulfill your General University Requirements you must select and take two religion courses. They are academic courses that study the contemporary and historical aspects of religion. The courses offered range from religions of East and West Asia to the study of Lutheran heritage.

What if I don't know what I want to major in yet?

Rest assured you are not alone. Most students do not know right away what they are going to do for the rest of their lives when they come to PLU. You have time to explore different subject areas and find what fits you. The GUR (General University Requirements) courses are helpful in doing this and count toward your graduation. It is recommended that students declare their major by their junior year.

Academics

What is the Student:Faculty ratio?

The student to faculty ratio is 15:1. All classes are instructed by professors – TA's (teaching assistants), or graduate assistants do not teach classes.

What percentage of students graduate in four years?

Of those who graduate, 75 percent do so in four years, and 97 percent graduate in five years. Depending on whether or not you follow the academic program designed by you with your advisor, you will have no problem graduating in four years. Unless your program of study is specifically designed as a 5-year program. Many students who change majors late in their careers take five years to complete their academic programs.

Does PLU have a study abroad program?

Absolutely! PLU has an extensive study abroad program that works with students' academic programs. Students can study away for a semester, a year, during January Term (one month) or for a summer session. About 450 PLU students study abroad each year.

Campus Life

Do I have to live on campus my freshman year?

Every incoming freshman lives on campus until he/she is 20-years-old or has junior standing. A student can live off campus if living with his/her permanent guardian.

Is there a residence hall curfew?

There is no curfew for our residence halls.  All of the residence halls are locked 24 hours a day with key card access for PLU students.  After 10 p.m. the halls do limit key card access to residents of that building only. 

Do students stay on campus over the weekends or do they generally go home?

PLU students generally stay on campus over the weekends and participate in a variety of planned, weekend activities. Excursions to the ocean, skiing at Crystal Mountain or shopping at Seattle's Pike Place Market are common day trips.

Can I bring my car? Is parking a problem?

PLU encourages first-year students to leave their cars at home. However, if you bring your car you will need to register it through Campus Safety and purchase a registration decal. For a decal price list, e-mail campussafety@plu.edu. Parking is typically not a problem; whether or not you find a place next door to your classroom or residence hall depends on luck and timing!

Does PLU have fraternities and sororities?

PLU does not have a Greek system, however the residence halls act as a student's second home. Each hall develops a character of its own and students thrive and grow through the camaraderie of the residence hall communities.

Are students admitted into sporting events and concerts for free with a student I.D. card?

During regular season play, student I.D. cards allow free entrance to sporting events. During playoffs or special non-conference games, the PLU Athletic department will notify the student body of ticket prices. Concerts held on campus vary in price – some are indeed free. PLU's ticket office will notify the student body on ticket prices.

Are there open computer labs?

There is a student computer lab in the Library that is open and free to PLU students. There are also free Internet/Ethernet capabilities in every residence hall room for students who own their own computers, and every academic building has Wi-Fi access.

Do students get free e-mail?

Every PLU student is given an ePass through PLU giving not only email access, but also on-line registration capabilities and library database access.

Safety

Does the campus maintain an escort service?

PLU has an extensive escort service through Campus Safety that includes walking and vehicle escorts. They will escort students to and from campus within the designated zone (about a six-block radius of campus) 24 hours/day.

Is there a 24-hour emergency phone operator on campus?

Yes. PLU not only has a 24-hour emergency phone operator through Campus Safety, but also has emergency phones located throughout the campus, including parking lots and sporting fields.