Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA

Total Enrollment

2,737

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

83

83 programs

Full-Time Students

2,308

85 part-time

Total FTE

2,672

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

12:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

2
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
867
Total Recent Graduates

Pacific Lutheran University serves 2,737 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 83 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,308 (96.4%)
96.4%
Part-Time Students 85 (3.6%)
Total Students 2,393

Predominantly full-time students (96.4%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (84.3%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
64.5%
1,764 students
Men
35.5%
973 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
47.3%
1,295 students
White
47.3% (1,295)
Hispanic/Latino
17.8% (487)
Asian
11.1% (305)
Two or More Races
10.8% (295)
Black/African American
5.0% (137)
International Students
3.5% (97)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
2.2% (61)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.8% (22)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 2,737 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 47% of the student body (1,295 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

2,393 students

37% Men, 63% Women
2,308 Full-time 85 Part-time
Diversity Index: 73% • Minority Students: 38%

Graduate students

344 students

28% Men, 72% Women
230 Full-time 114 Part-time
Diversity Index: 61% • Minority Students: 28%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,538
All full-time students
889 men, 1,649 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

2,308
Full-time undergraduate
829 men, 1,479 women
Diversity: 73%

FT Degree-Seeking

2,301
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
827 men, 1,474 women
Diversity: 73%

FT First-Time

622
Full-time first-time students
237 men, 385 women
Diversity: 77%

FT Continuing

1,679
Full-time continuing students
590 men, 1,089 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Transfer

184
Full-time transfer students
57 men, 127 women
Diversity: 73%

FT Continuing

1,495
Full-time other continuing
533 men, 962 women
Diversity: 70%

FT Non-Degree

7
Full-time non-degree seeking
2 men, 5 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Graduate

230
Full-time graduate students
60 men, 170 women
Diversity: 65%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

199
All part-time students
84 men, 115 women
Diversity: 62%

PT Undergraduate

85
Part-time undergraduate
46 men, 39 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Degree-Seeking

49
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
24 men, 25 women
Diversity: 62%

PT First-Time

2
Part-time first-time students
0
Diversity: 50%

PT Continuing

47
Part-time continuing students
22 men, 25 women
Diversity: 62%

PT Continuing

47
Part-time other continuing
22 men, 25 women
Diversity: 62%

PT Non-Degree

36
Part-time non-degree seeking
22 men, 14 women
Diversity: 81%

PT Graduate

114
Part-time graduate students
38 men, 76 women
Diversity: 51%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

1,090
White
117
Black/African American
447
Hispanic/Latino
272
Asian
87
International
Diversity Index: 73% Minority Students: 38%

Graduate students

205
White
20
Black/African American
40
Hispanic/Latino
33
Asian
10
International
Diversity Index: 61% Minority Students: 28%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Pacific Lutheran University's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 2,737 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (84.3%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 2,672 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (12:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

12180 Park Ave South

Tacoma, WA 98447-0003

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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