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Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA·Private nonprofit·3,132 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 3,132 students.

82%
Accept
3,132
Students
N/A
Net Price
74%
Grad Rate
$54,400
Earnings
10 yr
$22,990
Debt

About This School

Point Loma Nazarene University is a private nonprofit institution located in San Diego, California with approximately 3,132 undergraduate students enrolled. Point Loma Nazarene University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 82%. In-state tuition is $43,550 per year. The graduation rate is 74%, and the typical graduate earns $54,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private university in Point Loma in San Diego, California, United States. It was founded in 1902 as a Bible college by the Church of the Nazarene.

Worth considering if you're drawn to a tight-knit, faith-based community in San Diego — the 86% freshman retention rate suggests students who enroll tend to stick around and feel at home. The financial picture is reasonably balanced, with median debt of $22,990 and earnings of $54,400 a decade out, though that salary ceiling is modest and worth weighing against your intended major. The 82% acceptance rate means this isn't a reach for most applicants, so ambitious students should make sure the academic and social environment genuinely fits rather than treating it as a safety fallback.

Founded
1902

Notable Alumni

Destin Daniel Cretton

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1278
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile700

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$43,550
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,550
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$22,990

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
74%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
86%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,990
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,990
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$43,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White53%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino26%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,132 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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