Organizer Information
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private university in Tacoma, Washington, United States. Its academic offerings include undergraduate and graduate study across the arts, humanities, communication, design, business, education, health professions, and sciences. The Department of Communication, Media & Design Arts offers programs in studio art, art history, graphic design, communication, and related creative fields, including coursework in film and media production.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Pacific Lutheran University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MEd, MBA, MS, EdD, DNP and other program-specific qualifications
- Academic Fields: Studio Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Communication, Film and Media Production, Creative Writing, Theatre, Music and other disciplines
- Relevant Programs: BA in Studio Art; BA in Art History; BFA in Graphic Design; BA in Communication; MFA in Creative Writing; additional programs across other academic fields
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes, subject to program-specific eligibility
- Application Period: Varies by program and entry term
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate first-year applicants — 1 November 2026 (Early Action I); 1 December 2026 (Early Action II); 1 February 2027 (Regular Decision)
- Start of Studies: Fall or spring, depending on the program
- Application Fee: $0 for first-year undergraduate applicants; $65 for many graduate programs, with exceptions
- Tuition: Undergraduate tuition for students starting in 2026–27 is $54,080 per academic year for the standard full-time fall/spring tuition block
- Funding: Merit scholarships and grants are available to eligible students, including international undergraduates.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
PLU offers study options relevant to artists, designers, filmmakers, and students interested in media and the humanities.
Relevant undergraduate programs include:
- BA in Studio Art
- BA in Art History
- BFA in Graphic Design
- BA in Communication
The Department of Communication, Media & Design Arts also supports learning in film and media production. Students should consult the official academic catalog to confirm whether a particular subject is offered as a degree, concentration, minor, or individual course.
Admission requirements depend on the chosen program and study level. Applicants should review the program's academic prerequisites and any additional requirements before applying.
General Eligibility
- PLU accepts applications from domestic and international students. Undergraduate applicants are assessed on their academic preparation, transcripts, personal essay, and other application information.
- International applicants must meet the university's English-language proficiency policy and applicable documentation requirements. Graduate eligibility varies by program, and some programs have restrictions on international enrollment.
Educational Background
- First-year undergraduate applicants must provide official secondary-school transcripts. Transfer applicants must provide academic records from previous institutions, following the university's transfer and international credential-evaluation requirements.
- Graduate applicants must meet the prior-degree and academic requirements established by their chosen program. For example, the MFA in Creative Writing has its own writing-sample and personal-statement requirements.
Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 |
| PTE | 56 |
| TOEFL | 4.0 on the current listed scale |
The university also accepts certain alternative forms of evidence, including qualifying prior education in English. Applicants should verify the current test format and accepted alternatives on the official English proficiency page.
Application Fee
| Study level/applicant type | Application fee |
|---|---|
| First-year undergraduate | $0 |
| Transfer undergraduate | $73 + $2.03 processing fee |
| Many graduate programs | $65 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice | $80 |
Graduate fees vary by program. The university waives the application fee for current PLU students and alumni in several graduate programs, subject to program-specific policies.
Tuition
| Cost | 2026–27 amount | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition, 2026–27 starters | $54,080 | Academic year, standard full-time enrollment |
| Undergraduate tuition, under 12 credits or above 17 credits | $1,690 | Per credit for the applicable credits |
| Technology fee | $290 | Per academic year |
| Wellness Access Plan, domestic undergraduates | $510 | Per academic year |
| Wellness Access Plan, international and graduate students | $120 | Per academic year |
| Matriculation fee, undergraduate | $290 | One-time |
| Matriculation fee, graduate | $225 | One-time |
| Student Resource & Activity Fee | $40 | Per academic year |
| Diversity, Justice & Sustainability Fee | $20 | Per academic year |
The standard undergraduate tuition block applies to students taking 12–17 credits in fall or spring. Graduate tuition is program-specific; consult the relevant program's official cost page. Additional course, laboratory, housing, meal-plan, and other charges may apply.
Funding & Financial Support
PLU offers scholarships and grants to eligible students. International undergraduate students may qualify for the following awards for entry from fall 2026:
- International Merit Awards: $8,000–$32,000 per year for eligible first-year and transfer students.
- International Access Grant: $2,000, renewable, for eligible students from specified countries.
These awards do not require a separate application according to PLU's published international scholarship information. Other scholarships may be available subject to their individual eligibility requirements. Funding is not guaranteed, and applicants should confirm renewal conditions and award combinations directly with the university.
University Services & Academic Support
PLU provides academic and student support through its university departments and administrative services. Relevant resources include:
- Academic departments supporting study in art, design, communication, and other disciplines.
- International admissions guidance for English proficiency, academic documentation, and immigration-related requirements.
- Financial aid and scholarship information for eligible applicants.
- Graduate program-specific advising and application support.
Access to specialist facilities and resources depends on the course, department, and program. Applicants interested in studio facilities or particular creative resources should confirm access directly with the relevant academic department.
Application Requirements
First-year undergraduate applicants
- Common Application.
- Personal essay of at least 250 words.
- Official high-school transcripts.
SAT and ACT scores are optional. Academic recommendations are also optional. International applicants must provide English-language proficiency evidence when applicable, along with the required translated academic records.
Transfer applicants
Transfer applicants must submit the required application materials, including academic transcripts and the application essays and recommendation forms specified by PLU. English-language documentation may also be required for international applicants.
Graduate applicants
Requirements vary by program. For example, applicants to the MFA in Creative Writing must submit a writing sample, a two-page personal statement, and a résumé or CV. Recommendations are optional for that program.
A universal portfolio or audition requirement is not established for all arts-related programs. Applicants should follow the exact requirements published for their intended program.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate first-year applicants — Fall 2027
- Early Action I: 1 November 2026
- Early Action I Admission Decision: 1 December 2026
- Early Action II: 1 December 2026
- Early Action II Admission Decision: 1 January 2027
- Regular Decision: 1 February 2027
- Rolling Admission: After 1 February 2027
- Final Application Deadline: 15 July 2027
Transfer applicants
- Spring 2027 Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Spring 2027 Supporting Materials Deadline: 15 December 2026
Location
Pacific Lutheran University — Tacoma, Washington, United States
Additional Details
- Program restrictions: International applicants are not eligible for every graduate program. For example, PLU's Master of Education admissions page states that the program cannot host international students. Confirm eligibility before applying.
- Creative disciplines: Studio Art, Art History, and Graphic Design are distinct academic pathways. Students seeking filmmaking or media-production training should examine the relevant curriculum rather than assume that film production is offered as a standalone degree.
- Tuition differences: Graduate tuition and application fees vary by program. The amounts in this guide should not be applied universally to every graduate degree.
- International enrollment: Admitted international students must satisfy applicable immigration-documentation and financial-documentation requirements before receiving the necessary visa-support documents.