
12180 Park Avenue S., Tacoma, WA 98447, USA


Pacific Lutheran University provides a broad range of athletic opportunities through its NCAA Division III programs. Students can participate in various sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and baseball. The university emphasizes a balanced approach that supports both competitive play and academic achievement, fostering teamwork and personal growth among athletes.
The university's athletics are organized to encourage wide participation from the student body, with facilities maintained to support training and competition effectively. Beyond varsity sports, there are club and intramural options available, giving students the chance to stay active regardless of skill level or experience.
Pacific Lutheran values inclusion and strives to ensure that its athletic programs contribute positively to the campus community, promoting school spirit and wellness. This commitment helps prospective students understand that engaging in athletics can complement their overall university experience in meaningful ways.
Pacific Lutheran University hosts a diverse student body, with a total enrollment of 2,252 students comprising 823 men and 1,429 women. However, specific data regarding the array of student organizations and associations available to prospective students is not currently accessible. Likewise, information regarding the percentage of students participating in social organizations is not provided. Consequently, prospective students seeking detailed insights into the campus's extracurricular offerings will need to consult the university directly for comprehensive information on available student groups and their engagement opportunities.
Pacific Lutheran University has a diverse student body with an enrollment that blends various backgrounds, ages, and origins. The total number of students is moderate compared to other institutions, with an average level of new freshmen and transfer students each year, totaling 808 new enrollees. Freshmen number 624, while transfer students account for 184, both falling within the lower half nationally in terms of size.
The composition of students includes a strong majority of in-state attendees, comprising approximately 80% of the student body, which places the university in the upper percentile compared to peers. Out-of-state students form a smaller segment, around 12%, notably lower than many universities. Domestic students from across the United States make up 92%, indicating a predominantly national student population, while international students represent a higher-than-average presence at 7%.
Regarding age demographics, the undergraduate population centers primarily around traditional college ages, with the largest groups being those aged 18-19 and 20-21, totaling over 1,800 students combined. Older undergraduates are represented in smaller numbers, but the university also accommodates graduate students spanning a wide age range up to over 65 years old, reflecting opportunities for learners at different life stages.
Racial and ethnic diversity at Pacific Lutheran University shows a spectrum of groups, most of which fall in the average range compared to other institutions. Hispanic students number 463, African American students stand at 130, and white students are the largest single population with 1,076 individuals. Asian students total 248, while Pacific Islanders and students identifying with two or more races are notable with 59 and 274, respectively, each trending slightly above the middle percentile nationally. Smaller counts include Native American students and those whose background is unknown, all within average distribution levels.
Student life at Pacific Lutheran University includes a variety of extracurricular activities and campus resources designed to support diverse interests and needs. The university offers opportunities to engage in campus newspaper, drama productions, radio, chorus, and television, providing creative outlets for students interested in media and the arts. Although there is no campus band, students can participate in other performance groups.
Support services on campus address health and wellness, including a health clinic and psychological counseling. The university also maintains offices dedicated to assisting veterans and supporting women, reflecting an environment attentive to specific community needs.
With an average full-time student enrollment of 526 degree-seeking individuals and a student-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, students can expect a relatively personalized educational experience. The campus size and facilities contribute to a supportive academic and social atmosphere.
Pacific Lutheran University features the Mordvedt Library as its main library, complemented by one additional library, placing the university just above the median range for the number of libraries available. Students can expect access to physical facilities and digital resources, supported by trained staff and established operating hours totaling approximately 50 service hours weekly. Study rooms are available, although the library does not offer all-day access. Additionally, students benefit from shared collection access, enhancing the range of materials accessible within the university's library system.
Total enrollment
2797Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
526Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
170 full time, 128 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Mordvedt LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes