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Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California · Private (nonprofit)

Apr 15Application deadline

FindU Grade

B+Value
N/ACampus
A-Academics
CAdmissions
B+Student Life
B+Overall

About

Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, California. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 3,132 students.

pointloma.edu
Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$43,550
Out-of-state tuition$43,550
Room & board$12,850
Avg aid package$17,782
Students receiving aid23%
Pell grant recipients23%

Point Loma Nazarene University's net price is around $36,370 per year. 92% of students receive financial assistance, making the university accessible to a wide range of students. PLNU also offers merit-based scholarships to eligible students.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%1140–1410
4001600
ACT · middle 50%22–30
136

Application info

Acceptance rate82%
Average GPA3.70
Student–faculty ratio13:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$55

Application dates

Regular DecisionFeb 15

PLNU has an acceptance rate of 82% and considers SAT/ACT scores, though they are not required. The university requires a high school GPA and accepts the Common App. Applicants must also submit a 'spiritual recommendation' in addition to an academic one.

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Academics

Graduation rate75%
Retention rate86%
Student–faculty ratio13:1
Full-time faculty100%

PLNU offers a Christian liberal arts education that integrates faith and learning. The university provides a learning experience that combines rigorous coursework with spiritual growth, respecting diverse beliefs within its religious context. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty foster strong relationships and individualized support.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$63,998
Avg starting salary$90,100
Job placement rate95%
Earn more than HS grad80%
Economic mobility141%
Loan default (3 yr)2%
Loan repayment (3 yr)79%

PLNU emphasizes career preparation, with strong support from academic advisors and vocation-focused offices. Graduates are well-prepared for post-graduate opportunities, especially in fields like nursing and education. The Biology-Chemistry program is a Preferred Provider of Life Sciences talent, and 90% of PLNU students who apply to medical school are admitted.

Student life

Demographics

Medium School
3,132Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 66%Male 34%
53% WhiteRacial diversity
White 53%Hispanic 26%Asian 7%Black 2%Other 12%
Campus housingYes

Campus life

Check out more about Point Loma Nazarene University in the link in our bio! #fyp #college #pointloma #plnu #sandiego #ca

@plnu_official

What could be better?! 🌊🤍@Elevation Worship @Andreas Gilson #fyp #college #plnu #worship #collegelife #christiancolle

@plnu_official

POV: You live in a college dorm with the best view ever 😍🌅 #sunset #collegedorm #sandiego #fyp #plnu #cacolleges #ocea

@plnu_official

+7 moreWatch every campus video. FreeShow me all

PLNU offers a tight-knit, welcoming, and supportive community, especially for transfer students. The social scene is generally low-key, with a focus on meaningful fellowship, ministry, and student-run events. The university's Christian foundation fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared values.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Senior

Best decision I’ve ever made! When I applied to PLNU I was so excited and once I got accepted I knew that I was never going to regret it. Beautiful campus, the professors are amazing and classmates are wonderful!!

College Student

Point Loma is a very strict campus. Students must sign a living agreement upon admission that states they will not drink or do any drugs during their time enrolled at school. Even if they are 21 or off-campus the rules still apply. It is a dry-campus and the rule is strongly enforced. Suspicious students may have their rooms searched.

Cost and value

College Freshman

Like many private schools, Point Loma has pretty decent scholarships. Definitely have a good GPA and ACT or SAT scores, that is the best way to their scholarships. I've heard that sport scholarships aren't bad either. Point Loma with financial aid proved to be way cheaper than any state school I applied to.

About Point Loma Nazarene University

PLNU's Department of Public Safety operates 24/7 on the Point Loma campus to provide a safe environment. The department encourages students to report crimes and suspicious activity to Public Safety or the San Diego Police Department. Text messages are the primary method PLNU uses to communicate information during a campus emergency.

The PLNU Honors Program is a rigorous interdisciplinary academic program grounded in Christian thought and Wesleyan heritage. It combines Foundational Explorations courses uniquely crafted for the honors community. The program also coordinates enrichment events to build deeper cultural, historical, and social connections.

PLNU welcomes international students, though they comprise a small percentage of the student body. The university provides study abroad opportunities and partnerships with universities around the world. International students pay the same tuition as local students.

Endowment$68,120,443
Avg faculty salary$135,372

Point Loma Nazarene University FAQ

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Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 82% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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