Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private university located in Tacoma, Washington. Founded in 1890, it is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As a private institution, PLU operates independently of state government control and relies on tuition, donations, and endowments for funding.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on liberal arts, professional studies, and Lutheran heritage. Private status allows PLU to maintain smaller class sizes, a distinct mission-driven curriculum, and selective admissions. Unlike public universities, it does not receive direct taxpayer subsidies, resulting in higher tuition costs offset by institutional aid.
