Tacoma Community College vs Pacific Lutheran University: which has better ROI?
The verdict
Pacific Lutheran University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,356 in 4.2 years versus not at all at Tacoma Community College, on median earnings of $66,990 vs $47,168 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Tacoma Community College | Pacific Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,376 | $19,589 |
| Total net cost | $16,752 | $78,356 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $47,168 | $66,990 |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $22,578 |
| Payback | — | 4.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$40,592 | $294,244 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Tacoma Community College vs Pacific Lutheran University: frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma Community College or Pacific Lutheran University a better value?
Pacific Lutheran University. It clears its $78,356 net cost in about 4.2 years versus no clear payback at Tacoma Community College, on median earnings of $66,990 vs $47,168 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Tacoma Community College or Pacific Lutheran University?
Tacoma Community College: $8,376/yr net price after aid versus $19,589/yr at Pacific Lutheran University — a difference of $11,213 a year, or about $61,604 over four years.
Do Tacoma Community College or Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn more?
Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn a median $66,990 ten years after entry, versus $47,168 at Tacoma Community College — a $19,822 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.