Where is Pacific Lutheran University located. How to get to Pacific Lutheran University campus. What are the main athletic facilities at Pacific Lutheran University. What is the surrounding area like near Pacific Lutheran University.
Location and Overview of Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Tacoma, Washington. Specifically, the campus is situated in the suburban Parkland neighborhood, about 7 miles south of downtown Tacoma. PLU was founded in 1890 and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The university sits on a 156-acre campus characterized by its Pacific Northwest landscape of evergreen trees. PLU’s location offers students the benefits of a suburban setting while still being within easy reach of urban amenities in Tacoma and Seattle.
Key Facts About PLU’s Location:
- Address: 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98447
- Nearest major city: Tacoma (7 miles north)
- Distance to Seattle: Approximately 40 miles north
- Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (30 miles north)
Directions to Pacific Lutheran University
Getting to PLU is relatively straightforward whether you’re coming from within Washington state or from further afield. Here are detailed directions from key starting points:
From Interstate 5:
- Take exit 127 for WA-512 East toward Puyallup
- Follow WA-512 East for about 2 miles
- Take the Pacific Ave exit
- Turn right onto Pacific Ave S
- Continue on Pacific Ave S for about 1 mile
- Turn right onto Garfield St S
- The PLU campus will be directly ahead
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
- Exit the airport and follow signs for I-5 South toward Tacoma
- Merge onto I-5 South and follow it for about 20 miles
- Take exit 127 for WA-512 East
- Follow the directions above from WA-512
For visitors using GPS or mapping apps, it’s recommended to input the university’s main address: 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98447.
Campus Layout and Main Buildings
PLU’s campus is compact and walkable, with most academic buildings and student facilities concentrated around a central area. Some key landmarks and buildings to be aware of include:
- Hauge Administration Building: Houses administrative offices and serves as a central point of reference
- Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Home to theater and dance productions
- Mortvedt Library: The university’s main library and study center
- Anderson University Center (AUC): Student hub with dining options, meeting spaces, and the campus store
- Olson Auditorium: Main athletic facility for indoor sports
The campus is known for its beautiful grounds, featuring native plants and trees that reflect the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors often remark on the serene atmosphere created by the mix of historic and modern architecture set against this natural backdrop.
Athletic Facilities at Pacific Lutheran University
PLU boasts a range of athletic facilities to support its NCAA Division III sports programs and recreational activities for students. Here are some of the main athletic venues on campus:
Olson Auditorium and Names Family Court:
This is the primary indoor athletic facility at PLU. It hosts volleyball and basketball games, as well as other indoor sports and events. The Names Family Court, located within Olson Auditorium, is the main competition court.
PLU Field:
Home to the Lutes football team, this field features synthetic turf and seating for spectators. It’s also used for soccer matches and other outdoor events.
East Field:
This multipurpose field is used for soccer, lacrosse, and various intramural sports.
PLU Tennis Center:
Features six outdoor tennis courts for varsity tennis matches and recreational play.
PLU Golf Course:
While not on the main campus, PLU owns and operates a 9-hole golf course about a mile from campus, used by the golf teams and open to students and the public.
Surrounding Area and Local Attractions
The area around Pacific Lutheran University offers a mix of suburban amenities and natural attractions. Here are some notable places and features near the campus:
- Garfield Street: The main commercial area near campus, featuring restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to students
- Parkland Spanaway Park: A large park about 2 miles from campus, offering walking trails, a lake, and picnic areas
- Sprinker Recreation Center: A community center with an ice rink, tennis courts, and other sports facilities
- Mount Rainier National Park: About a 1.5-hour drive from campus, offering hiking, camping, and stunning views of Mount Rainier
- Point Defiance Park: A 760-acre park in Tacoma with beaches, forests, and a zoo, about 12 miles from campus
The proximity to Tacoma and Seattle also means students have easy access to urban amenities, cultural attractions, and professional opportunities in these larger cities.
Transportation Options for PLU Students
Students at Pacific Lutheran University have several transportation options available to them, both for getting around the local area and for traveling further afield:
On-Campus Transportation:
- Walking: The compact nature of the campus means most locations are within easy walking distance
- Biking: PLU has bike racks throughout campus and encourages cycling as a sustainable transportation option
Local Transportation:
- Pierce Transit: The local bus service has routes that connect PLU to Tacoma and other nearby areas
- PLU shuttle service: The university operates a limited shuttle service to key local destinations
Regional Transportation:
- Sound Transit: Provides bus and light rail services connecting the South Puget Sound region, including service to Seattle
- Amtrak: The nearest Amtrak station is in Tacoma, offering train service along the West Coast
Many students also have personal vehicles, and PLU provides parking permits for on-campus parking. However, given the compact nature of the campus and the availability of public transportation, having a car is not necessary for most students.
Climate and Weather at Pacific Lutheran University
Understanding the local climate can help students and visitors prepare for their time at PLU. Tacoma and the surrounding area experience a temperate climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Here’s what you can expect:
Seasonal Weather Patterns:
- Summer (June-August): Generally warm and dry, with average highs around 75째F (24째C)
- Fall (September-November): Cooling temperatures and increasing rainfall
- Winter (December-February): Cool and wet, with average lows around 35째F (2째C)
- Spring (March-May): Gradually warming temperatures with occasional rain showers
The region is known for its mild temperatures year-round, but also for its frequent overcast days and light rain, especially in the fall and winter months. Snow is relatively rare but can occur occasionally during winter.
Packing Tips for PLU Students:
- Waterproof jacket and umbrella for the rainy season
- Layers for dealing with variable temperatures
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the sunny summer months
- Sturdy, water-resistant footwear for wet conditions
The Pacific Northwest climate contributes to the lush, green landscape that PLU is known for, but it also means students should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
Safety and Security on Campus
Pacific Lutheran University prioritizes the safety and security of its students, faculty, and staff. The university has implemented various measures to ensure a safe campus environment:
Campus Safety Department:
PLU maintains its own Campus Safety department, which operates 24/7. Their responsibilities include:
- Patrolling the campus
- Responding to emergencies
- Providing escort services for students at night
- Managing access control to campus buildings
Emergency Notification System:
PLU uses a mass notification system to alert the campus community about emergencies or important safety information. This system can send alerts via text message, email, and phone calls.
Blue Light Emergency Phones:
These phones are located throughout the campus and provide a direct line to Campus Safety for immediate assistance.
Safety Education and Programs:
The university offers various safety education programs and resources, including:
- Self-defense classes
- Active shooter response training
- Alcohol and drug awareness programs
While PLU is generally considered a safe campus in a relatively low-crime area, students are encouraged to remain vigilant and take basic safety precautions, such as locking doors, being aware of their surroundings, and using the buddy system when walking at night.
Where Is Pacific Lutheran University?
Where Is Pacific Lutheran University?
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The map below shows where Pacific Lutheran University is located and can give you an idea of the surrounding cities and towns. Is the campus close enough to home for your liking? Be sure you can enjoy the area around the campus, too.
Why Location Matters
You won’t spend all of your on campus when you attend the school.
You should know if the area arround PLU is in a safe neighborhood and how close it is to other cities in the general area.
Pacific Lutheran University Location and Map
Located in Tacoma, Washington, Pacific Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. PLU is located in a safe and convenient suburb.
Location of Pacific Lutheran University
Contact details for PLU are given below.
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 12180 Park Ave South, Tacoma, WA 98447-0003 |
| Phone: | 253-535-8145 |
| Website: | www.plu.edu/ |
| Facebook: | http://www.facebook.com/Pacific.Lutheran.University |
| Twitter: | http://twitter.com/PLUNEWS |
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- National Center for Education Statistics
- College Scorecard
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
- Image Credit: By Joe Mabel under License
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Directions – Pacific Lutheran University Athletics
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Directions
| Directions to Campus |
Pacific Lutheran University is located seven miles south of downtown Tacoma, Wash.
Take exit 127 off Interstate 5 and go east on Highway 512. Continue on 512 for approximately two miles to Parkland-Spanaway Exit. Turn right (south) onto Pacific Avenue. Stay on Pacific Avenue until Garfield Street. Turn right onto Garfield. You will run right into campus.
From SeaTac Airport, exit terminal area and follow signs for I-5 South / Tacoma. Follow Interstate 5 south through downtown Tacoma to exit 127. Continue on 512 for approximately two miles to Parkland-Spanaway Exit. Turn right (south) onto Pacific Avenue. Stay on Pacific Avenue until Garfield Street. Turn right onto Garfield. You will run right into campus.
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| On-Campus Athletic Facilities |
Follow the above directions, and then take a left on Park Avenue. Take a right on 125th Street. When 125th Street comes to a dead end, take a right on Yakima Avenue South. Yakima Avenue South will turn left onto 124th Street.
Olson Auditorium/Names Family Court
Located on the main campus. Names Family Court is the home of the PLU volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams. Olson Auditorium has a seating capacity of 3,200 and has visitors and official’s locker rooms. Olson also features a 10,000-square foot Astroturf fieldhouse. Parking for Olson Auditorium is available in the lot adjacent to building 40 (labeled RFV) or in the parking lot next to the tennis courts across from Memorial Gymnasium on 124th Street. Buses can park in the back of the Olson parking lot closest to 10th Street.
Swimming Pool
Located on the main campus. The Swim Center is the home to the PLU swim teams. The PLU community enjoys an Olympic-style swimming pool. Parking – see Olson.
Names Fitness Center
Names Fitness Center is a 5,500-square-foot building which features an indoor jogging track and state-of-the-art weight training and conditioning facilities equipment.
Tennis Courts
Located on main campus. Six outdoor tennis courts are home to PLU men’s and women’s tennis teams. The courts are located on the south side of 124th Street directly across from the Swim Center/Olson Auditorium. Parking is available in the lot next to the courts.
Baseball Field
Located on main campus. The PLU baseball field is an Astroturf facility featuring a pair of 70′-batting cages. The bleachers seat 300. The outfield fences are 345 feet to left, 370 to left center, 385 to center, 355 to right center and 320 feet to right. Parking is available in the tennis court parking lot.
Softball Field
Located on main campus. The PLU softball field is a natural grass facility. The bleachers seat about 300. The outfield fences are 200 feet to left, 205 to left center, 210 to center, 200 to right center, and 195 feet to right. The field is on the south side of 124th street, west of the track.
Parking is available in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the field.
Soccer Field
Located on main campus. This Astroturf field is home to the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Portable bleachers seat about 200 spectators. The field is south of the softball field and west of the track. Parking is available in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the softball field.
Track and Field
Located on main campus. This natural grass field is surrounded by an all-weather track. Some throwing events occur on the west side of the softball field. Parking is available in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the softball field.
| Off-Campus Athletic Facilities |
Sparks Stadium
Sparks Stadium is the home of Lute football. Sparks is located approximately 10 miles east of the PLU campus in the city of Puyallup.
The stadium has an artificial surface and seats 4,500. The stadium has locker rooms for visitors and official’s. Visiting team buses and officials can park in a fenced off area on the visitor’s side of the complex. Fans can park on the surrounding streets or in specified lots. To get to Sparks stadium from Interstate 5, take exit 127 and go east on Highway 512 for eight to 10 miles. Once in Puyallup, take the Meridian Street exit and turn left onto Meridian. Follow Meridian to 7th Ave. SW turn left. Sparks is located on the corner of 7th Avenue and 5th Street. 601 7th Ave. SW, Puyallup, WA 98371. The Puyallup School District requests that fans not be allowed on the artificial turf of Sparks Stadium after football games.
American Lake
American Lake is the practice and home competition site for Pacific Lutheran women’s rowing. From southbound and northbound I-5 take the Thorne Lane exit (123). If you’re traveling southbound, turn right onto Thorne Lane, if northbound, turn left on Thorne Lane and go across the freeway.
At the Y in the road, stay left and proceed straight ahead to Harry Todd Park.
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© 2023 Pacific Lutheran University
1010 122nd St. S Tacoma, WA 98447
How much does it cost to study at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma – UniPage
The information is for informational purposes only. Check the prices and requirements on the official website of the educational institution.
About the University
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private non-profit Christian institution. PLU is located in Tacoma, USA. PLU conducts joint activities with the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). Sport affiliations and memberships: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
PLU works in several directions and invites students to study in undergraduate and graduate programs.
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Pacific Lutheran University Tuition
Pacific Lutheran University has a 4-1-4 academic year. It includes two long semesters and one short one in between. But for the convenience of calculation, the total cost of training is calculated for the year. The cost of studying at Pacific Lutheran University is the same for both local residents and international students. It starts from 25793 USD per year. With the help of financial support programs, students can partially or fully cover the cost of education. Check the university website for up-to-date information on prices and available scholarships.
Extras
When choosing an educational institution, it is important to be aware of the additional costs: hostel rent, transportation, teaching materials, meals and personal expenses.
Pacific Lutheran University Programs
Applied ScienceSociology
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Engineering and TechnologyGeosciences
Program Website50,914USD/Year
MedicineKinesiology
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Nursing
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Psychology
Program Website50,914USD/Year
EducationEducation
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Computer Science and ITGeosciences
Program Website50,914USD/Year
HumanitiesChinese Studies
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Development and Social Justice
Program website50,950USD/Year
English
Program website50,914USD/Year
French
Program website50,914USD/Year
Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies
Program website50,914USD/Year
9001 2 Show all
Journalism and mediaCommunication
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Political Science
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Social Science and ManagementChinese Studies
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Development and Social Justice
Program website50,950USD/Year
Economics
Program website49,459USD/Year
French
Program website50,914USD/Year
Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies
Program website50,914USD/Year
Show all
Ecological and Earth Sciences Biology
Program website50 950USD/Year
Geosciences
Program website50 914USD/Year
Natural sciences and mathematicsBiology
Program website50 950USD/Year
Mathematics
Program website50 914USD/Year
Physics
Program website50,914USD/Year
Arts and HumanitiesArt and Design
Program website50,914USD/Year
Communication
Program website50,914USD/Year
Music
Program website50,914USD/Year
Theater
Program website50 914USD/Year
Economics and Business AdministrationAccounting
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Business Administration
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Economics
Program Website49,459USD/Year
Finance
Program website50,950USD/Year
Individualized Concentration
Program website50,950USD/Year
Show all
OtherClassics
Program website50,914USD/Year
Computer Science
Program website50,914USD/Year
German 9 0002 Program website50,914USD/Year
International Affairs
Program website50 914USD/Year
Social Work
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Other Programs
MedicineNursing
Program Website34,538USD/Year
Applied ScienceMarriage and Family Therapy
Program Website25,793USD/Year
Social Sciences and ManagementMarriage and Family Therapy
Program Website25,793USD/Year
Economics and Business AdministrationMarketing Analytics
Program Website27,688USD/Program
Other Programs
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Admission to Bachelor’s degree in PLU
Before applying, you must pass IELTS or TOEFL.
TOEFL score not less than 79. You need to pass the IELTS exam at 6.5 and above.
PLU Master’s admission
The university’s admissions committee takes into account the student’s previous undergraduate academic performance. It is impossible to enter the PLU in the master’s program without confirming knowledge of the English language. You can do this by taking the IELTS or TOEFL exam. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 80. IELTS score is 6.5 or higher.
Pacific Lutheran University campus
The campus of the educational institution is located in the suburbs. The advantages of this location include the ability to quickly get to the city, access to various types of recreation (in nature and in the city) and a close-knit student community. The university has a library that students visit to do their homework, write scientific papers or just read interesting books. PLU regularly accepts students for international exchange programs, providing both local and international students with the opportunity to come into contact with different cultures and gain unique experience.
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What to Do After Pacific Lutheran University
Students can stay in the US for up to a year after graduation to take a job and switch from a student visa to a work visa. For other options for immigration, you can find in our article.
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Pacific Lutheran University
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) deliberately brings together the liberal arts, professional research, and civic engagement. Thanks…
ABOUT US
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) deliberately brings together the liberal arts, professional research, and civic engagement.
Through unique international programs and close student-faculty research work, PLU helps its 2,900 students of all faiths and backgrounds discover their calling through coursework, mentoring, and internships at world-class companies and institutions in the Puget Sound area.
Founded in 1890 by Norwegian immigrants, PLU continues the recognizable tradition of Lutheran higher education through its commitment to the development of knowledge, thoughtful research and inquiry, preparing citizens for world service and change. PLU is located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, in a region that also offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, culture, and sports.
To support students and faculty in researching their important life issues, and to engage in meaningful and fulfilling work, the university has established the Wild Hope Career Center.
Clearly encouraging research, the career search that faculty and students undertake together continues even in the face of the unbridled and unpredictable nature of the world we live in.
PLU OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
PLU is known for its commitment to diversity, equity and sustainability. For achievements in the field of sustainable development, the university was awarded the gold award of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). And for over 30 years, PLU has been internationally renowned for its Holocaust studies program, which now includes the Kurt Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies, the annual Powell-Heller Conference on Holocaust Education, and since the fall of 2014, PLU has become one of only a few universities across the country offering Holocaust and genocide studies as a second major.
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ARTS AND COMMUNICATION
Another hallmark of PLU is the nationally recognized School of Arts and Communication. Recent alumni perform and create on Broadway (Next to Normal), television (Glee, The Mentalist, NCIS: LA) and films (The Lord of the Rings), as well as on stages and concert halls around the world (Metropolitan Opera) , as well as in news programs and media throughout the region. The newly renovated $20 million Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts center in the South Puget Sound region.
HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The university offers 44 undergraduate and 54 undergraduate courses, as well as graduate and professional programs in business administration, creative writing, education, finance, marketing research, family therapy, and nursing.
ARE YOU READY
PLU welcomes applications from students who demonstrate the ability to succeed at the university level.
Admission to the PLU is on a competitive basis. We are looking for students who:
- Demonstrate success in a challenging college prep program.
- Happy to solve academic and personal problems
- Express their thoughts clearly
- Show leadership and service to their community, church or school
- Ready to share unique or special talents
Each applicant is assessed based on GPA, class rank, report card, standardized test scores, personal essay and academic recommendation.
Applications are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, financial source, or any other status protected by law.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
PLU has multiple admission decision dates – October 15th, November 15th, December 15th, January 15th, and March 1st. Students who complete applications by one of these dates may expect to receive an admission decision and notification of academic scholarship eligibility by the next decision date.
