College comparison

California Northstate University vs Pacific Lutheran University

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	California Northstate University Elk Grove, CA	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA
Acceptance ratePacific Lutheran University is more selective	92%	78%
SAT (25–75)	—	1040–1260
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	37	2,401
Avg net price	—	$19,589
Median earnings (10 yr)	—	$66,990
Graduation rate	100%	69%
Median debt	—	$22,578
Economic mobility	—	0.9%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (for-profit)	Private (nonprofit)
Location

Quick answers

Is California Northstate University or Pacific Lutheran University harder to get into?

Pacific Lutheran University is more selective: California Northstate University's acceptance rate is approximately 92% and Pacific Lutheran University's is approximately 78% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for California Northstate University vs Pacific Lutheran University?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Northstate University and 1040–1260 at Pacific Lutheran University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.