Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Online | pointloma.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Religious Affiliation | Church of the Nazarene |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private Christian liberal arts college located on the Point Loma oceanfront in San Diego, California. Established in 1902 as a religious educational institution, PLNU boasts a picturesque campus renowned for its Spanish Renaissance architecture. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate areas of study with notable programs in nursing, business, and biology, reflecting a diverse academic profile. Point Loma Nazarene University's application process is moderately selective, attracting a wide array of students. On-campus housing is available, with a variety of living options designed to accommodate undergraduate students. While PLNU does have an athletic program, it is not primarily known for its success in intercollegiate athletics.
In the most recent statistical year 3,149 prospective students applied, and 2,580 were granted admission. Of those admitted 690 enrolled in the school. 3,238 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,081 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $40,400 plus fees of $700. PLNU is ranked 292 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
PLNU is rated within the top 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Point Loma Nazarene University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#292 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#217 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#29 in Best Colleges in California
#20 in Best Private Colleges in California
#542 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#38 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1170/1350 |
| ACT | 22/30 |
| GPA | 3.65 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $55 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,152 |
| Other Fees | $700 |
| Room and Board | $11,800 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,052 |
| Total One Year Cost | $57,104 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Communication | 6% |
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Students considering PLNU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=121309 IPEDS survey data for Point Loma Nazarene University.
Current students may use the Point Loma Nazarene University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.