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Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA·Private nonprofit·3,188 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. strong 77% graduation rate.

84%
Accept
3,188
Students
$38,729
Net Price
77%
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 3,188 undergraduate students enrolled. Point Loma Nazarene University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 84%. The average net price after financial aid is $38,729 per year. The graduation rate is 77%, 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
Setting
Large city
Religious Affiliation
Other Protestant
Avg Faculty Salary
$11,862

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Health Professions19%
Psychology7%
Education7%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications6%
Computer Science4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Destin Daniel Cretton

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1287
Reading 75th %ile695
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$46,250
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,250
Avg Net Price
$38,729
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$30,999
$30–48k$32,117
$48–75k$32,888
$75–110k$33,003
$110k+$41,680

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$22,990

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
77%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
86%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,990
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$43,400
Female graduates$43,700

Gap: -1% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

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

White52%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino27%
Asian7%
Two or more races8%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,188 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Point Loma Nazarene University

3900 Lomaland Dr

San Diego, CA 92106-2899

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

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.
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