Colleges by Location
Colleges by Fields of Study
Colleges by Tuition Range
Colleges by GPA Range
College by SAT Range
Colleges by ACT Score
Graduate Schools by Location
Graduate Schools by Fields of Study
Graduate School by Degree Type
Paying for Graduate School
Online Graduate Programs
Test Preparation
Career Planning
College Planning
Graduate School Planning
Applying to Graduate School
Engineering Careers
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private Christian liberal arts university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1902, PLNU offers over 60 undergraduate programs and several graduate programs in areas such as business, nursing, theology, and education. The university is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and places a strong emphasis on integrating faith and learning, encouraging students to grow spiritually while pursuing their academic and professional goals.
PLNU's picturesque campus is situated atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing students with a breathtaking backdrop for their studies. The university is known for its close-knit community and small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and collaboration among students and faculty. In addition to academic excellence, PLNU is also committed to the holistic development of students, offering various opportunities for involvement in athletics, clubs, and service projects both on and off-campus.
With its diverse academic offerings, faith-based approach, and stunning campus location, Point Loma Nazarene University provides students with a unique college experience. The university's commitment to integrating faith, learning, and service helps students develop a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. Whether students are pursuing a degree in the arts, sciences, healthcare, or business, PLNU provides a supportive and nurturing environment where students are challenged intellectually, inspired spiritually, and equipped to thrive in their chosen fields.
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private comprehensive higher education institution located in San Diego, CA and set in a suburban environment. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 81%. The freshman retention rate at Point Loma Nazarene University is 86.1% and the six-year graduation rate is 74%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is April 15. The transfer application deadline is July 1.
Discover more about what you can expect if you get into Point Loma Nazarene University.
Quick Facts
3,158
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
81%
Acceptance Rate
$45,300
Tuition
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
74%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. Learn some essential info about admission policy and requirements at Point Loma Nazarene University.
According to the newest information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 2,506 in 2024. Point Loma Nazarene University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores if the applicant decides to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 10.2% and ACT scores 6.8%. 22.4% of the enrolled students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 50.7% between 1,200 and 1,399, 23.9% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 3% of the students between 800 and 999. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 33.3, 35.6 between 24-29, 26.7 in the range between 18-23, and 4.4 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the enrolled students in 2024 was 27 while the average GPA was 3.69. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted as well as an above-average ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 640 and an average SAT Math score of 619.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by April 15. If you plan on applying as a transfer student, the application deadline is July 1.
81%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
The freshman retention rate for Point Loma Nazarene University was 86.1% in 2024, indicative of the exceptional educational experience and supportive environment at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 74%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Choosing a school that is the right match for you is not a simple task. Having a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2024, the school enrolled 4,494 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 21.2% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 3,158, 36 of which were international students. 320 students were accepted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 1,121 male and 2,212 female full-time students in 2024. This school had 156 full-time graduate male and 353 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
This school had 204 Asian students and 64 Afro-American students in 2024. 825 undergraduates at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 254 identified with more than one race. The school also had 9 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 10 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 71 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to think about before you apply. Here are some details you should know about the cost of attendance for Point Loma Nazarene University.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Point Loma Nazarene University? Here is what you need to know.
Tuition fees per academic year for full-time domestic students were $45,300 in 2024. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students totaled $950 in 2024.
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university. The estimated cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,062.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What do colleges and universities typically charge for accommodation and meals?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Point Loma Nazarene University was $13,650 in 2024. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 was $7,900 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $14,734.
| Tuition | $ 45,300 |
| Room and Board | $ 13,650 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,062 |
| Total Expense | $ 60,012 |
Financial Aid
Financial help for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid students could get at Point Loma Nazarene University.
According to the most recent data, 397 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $27,390.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
1,562 students acquired some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 1,590. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $5,995,788, and state $4,321,718. The students of Point Loma Nazarene University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $21,546,360, and external in the amount of $1,668,731.
$14,128
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
237 students, including freshmen, received institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this school in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 80 full-time freshmen. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $5,995,788 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $2,086,543. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $14,403,827. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $1,206,328 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Point Loma Nazarene University was 13:1: that means 13 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. According to the most recent information, there are 527 faculty members at this school. Out of that number, there were 219 male and 308 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Point Loma Nazarene University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Point Loma Nazarene University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some information about campus life at Point Loma Nazarene University.
Its campus spans 93 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists exclusively of current students and/or alumni.
If acting is an interest of yours, there is a drama club you can join. You have a passion for media and communication? Point Loma Nazarene University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Point Loma Nazarene University offers a number of services important for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There is a security patrol available 24/7. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Point Loma Nazarene University.
All in all, campus life at Point Loma Nazarene University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Point Loma Nazarene University.
Career Counselling
At Point Loma Nazarene University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
-
Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA.
-
Point Loma Nazarene University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
-
According to the latest information, you would need to pay about 45,300 USD per academic year for Point Loma Nazarene University.
-
This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
-
The most recent reported acceptance rate for Point Loma Nazarene University is 81%.
-
The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Point Loma Nazarene University is 86.1%.
Contact Information
Point Loma Nazarene University,
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA
92106-2899
619 849-2200
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Find the best schools for you.
Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.