PLU Welcomes the Class of 2028: Trailblazers

As Pacific Lutheran University welcomes the Class of 2028, the university celebrates not just a new academic year but a new generation of students defined by the spirit of innovation, resilience, and transformation. The Admission staff has dubbed this cohort “Trailblazers” due to their distinctive qualities. These incoming students are poised to lead, inspire, and create lasting change both on campus and beyond.

With an average GPA of 3.7, the Class of 2028 demonstrates strong academic credentials. However, their excellence extends far beyond numbers, with each student bringing diverse talents, experiences, and strengths.

Class of 2028 highlights:

• 57% Students of Color
• 51.6% First Generation College Students
• 3.7 Average GPA
• 47.5% Pell Grant-eligible

In addition to the academic achievements of the new class, PLU is also welcoming a significant number of student-athletes to campus. This fall, 119 first-year students and 15 transfer students will join PLU’s NCAA Division III teams, bringing talent across Lute athletics.

International representation has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with over 100 international students enrolled for the first time since 2017. These students hail from 21 different countries, bringing a rich tapestry of global perspectives to campus and fostering an environment of cross-cultural learning and collaboration.

As these “Trailblazers” embark on their journey at PLU, they bring with them a wide range of experiences and ambitions, united by a shared commitment to making a positive impact as Lutes, prepared to learn, lead, and serve their communities.

New pathways to higher education: What goes into recruiting a trailblazing class?

This incoming class represents more than just a collection of impressive statistics; it signifies PLU’s deepening commitment to inclusivity, access, and academic excellence.

“Our incoming class is truly unique, and it reflects the success of several initiatives that have come together to increase access to higher education,” said Dean of Admission Melody Ferguson. “While many universities are grappling with the challenges of a shifting landscape and the looming enrollment cliff, PLU has strategically positioned itself to thrive. From expanding opportunities within our region to welcoming students from across the country and around the world, our efforts—like Automatic Admission Partnerships and direct admission to competitive majors—are sustaining and increasing interest in PLU while also increasing access to higher education.”

PLU’s Automatic Admission Partnerships have become a game-changer, allowing students from 41 Washington school districts—over 130 schools—to expand access a PLU education. With 26.3% of the Class of 2028 applying through these pathways, the initiative effectively removes barriers and ensures that a high-quality education at PLU is within reach for more students than ever before.

PLU also offers direct admission pathways for several competitive and high-demand majors, including nursing, business, computer science and education. These pathways provide students with a clear route to their chosen fields of study, eliminating uncertainty and stress over major admissions.

Addressing the rising cost of education

In response to the rising cost of higher education, PLU has introduced innovative financial solutions. Among these is the Fixed Tuition Guarantee, which locks in the cost of tuition from a student’s first day until graduation. This program ensures that tuition for incoming first-year and transfer students remains constant throughout their undergraduate years, protecting families from unexpected increases that can often amount to $10,000 to $12,000 over a four-year period. By eliminating the uncertainty of annual tuition hikes, the Fixed Tuition Guarantee allows students and families to better plan for college expenses, reduces financial stress, and ultimately supports degree completion.

The 253 PLU Bound Scholarship continues to make higher education accessible by covering full tuition for students who qualify. Now in its ninth year, this program has made a college education possible for 27.2% of this year’s incoming class, demonstrating PLU’s commitment to serving Washington State’s communities.

These initiatives reflect PLU’s mission to remove financial barriers and create a more equitable higher education experience for the Class of 2028 and beyond.

A shared purpose: Shaping the future

“At PLU, we have a shared purpose. We’re here because we believe in the transformative power of education,” said President Allan Belton, speaking to faculty and staff at University Conference in late August. “We’re here because what we do — as educators, as researchers, as mentors, as supporters — has the potential to change lives and shape the future. I am incredibly proud of what we are achieving together. But I’m even more excited about what we’re going to achieve in the coming year. We’re not just maintaining the status quo; we’re actively shaping the future. We’re asking tough questions, we’re innovating, we’re adapting — and we’re doing it all while staying true to our mission and values.”

With the Class of 2028 joining the Lute family, PLU welcomes a new generation of learners and reaffirms its commitment to fostering trailblazers who will shape a future defined by inclusivity, innovation, and lasting impact.