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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California · www.pointloma.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

83.7%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$46,250

$59,900 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

3,246

Student-faculty ratio 13:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

69.0%

4-year; 6-year rate 75.9%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private Christian university located in San Diego, California. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the Pacific Ocean, the university offers a unique blend of academic excellence and spiritual growth. Established in 1902, PLNU emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating faith and learning to prepare students for meaningful lives and careers. The campus is renowned for its stunning views, vibrant community, and commitment to sustainability, making it an attractive destination for students from diverse backgrounds.

PLNU is well-regarded for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields such as nursing, business, and education. The university boasts a dedicated faculty with a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for each student. The school's mission emphasizes the development of the whole person, encouraging students to engage in various extracurricular activities that foster leadership, community service, and spiritual growth. PLNU also hosts a range of athletic programs and promotes an active student lifestyle, with opportunities for participation in sports, clubs, and events that enhance campus culture. Through its commitment to academic rigor, community engagement, and spiritual development, Point Loma Nazarene University prepares its graduates to make a positive impact in their professions and communities.

Tuition and Student Enrollment Trends at Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University has experienced a significant increase in tuition costs over the years. In 2014, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduates was approximately $30,356, which has escalated to around $43,550 by 2024, representing an increase of over 43%. This rise in tuition reflects a broader trend in higher education where institutions are facing increasing operational costs, leading to higher tuition fees for students.

Alongside the rising tuition, student enrollment has shown a fluctuating pattern. The undergraduate population grew from 2,415 in 2013 to a peak of 3,135 in 2019 before slightly declining to 3,154 in 2023. This fluctuation in enrollment might correlate with the increasing financial burden on students, as they weigh the costs against the benefits of attending private institutions.

Moreover, the university's graduation rates also provide insight into its academic performance. The on-time graduation rate stood at around 64% in 2023, down from a peak of approximately 70.5% in 2021. This decline could indicate a need for better support systems for students, as financial pressures and academic challenges can impact students' ability to graduate on time.

Lastly, the retention rate has remained relatively stable, hovering around 84-89% in recent years. This suggests that while students may struggle with financial pressures, many still choose to remain enrolled, indicating a degree of satisfaction with the university's offerings. However, the combination of rising tuition, shifting enrollment numbers, and graduation rates poses a significant challenge for the institution in maintaining its reputation and ensuring student success.

These trends underscore the complexities faced by students in the current educational landscape and highlight the necessity for institutions to adapt to changing economic conditions while supporting their student populations effectively.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
San Diego, about 9 mi
Nearest international airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 4 mi
San Diego, California
Also known as
PLNU
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Church of the Nazarene
President
Kerry Fulcher (President)
Phone
6198492200
City
San Diego, California
Address
3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, CA 92106-2899

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
89.4%
Women
80.8%

In 2020: men 85.5%, women 68.4%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Point Loma Nazarene University

The admission data for Point Loma Nazarene University over the years reveals significant trends in acceptance rates and enrollment figures. Notably, the acceptance rate for male applicants has fluctuated considerably from 83.8% in 2009 to a remarkable 89.9% in 2023, while the female acceptance rate has also shown variability, starting at around 75.2% and dropping to 78.2% in the most recent year.
A striking observation is the significant increase in the number of applicants denied admission, which peaked in 2011 with 1,582 denials, suggesting heightened competition and possibly an increasing interest in the university. As enrollment numbers have generally increased, reaching a high of 690 in 2023, the university appears to be successfully attracting a larger pool of applicants, albeit with a more selective approach in recent years.
The data also indicates that the university has been deferring a notable number of applicants, particularly in 2010 and 2011, which could reflect strategic admissions practices aimed at managing class size and maintaining academic standards. This trend emphasizes the institution's efforts to balance quality and quantity in its admissions process.
Overall, the trends suggest that Point Loma Nazarene University has managed to maintain its appeal while navigating the challenges of increasing applicant numbers and the need for selective admissions. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the university adapts its strategies to sustain its growth and academic integrity.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#336▼87
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 8% submitted SAT, 6% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1175–1365Peer median 1158
ACT composite25–32
SAT Reading
610–695
600700800
SAT Math
565–670
600700800
ACT composite
25–32
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at Point Loma Nazarene University

The admissions data for Point Loma Nazarene University reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in standardized test submissions and scores. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has shown a decreasing trend, dropping from a high of 91% in 2008 to just 15% in 2022 and 2023. This decline suggests a shift in admissions strategies and possibly reflects a broader trend in higher education where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies.

The SAT reading and math scores have also fluctuated, with the range for the 25th to 75th percentile scores showing variability. For instance, in 2019, the SAT reading and math scores ranged from 580 to 650, indicating a competitive applicant pool. However, by 2022, the ranges increased to 600 to 680, reflecting a higher overall academic caliber among the admitted students.

Moreover, the decline in the number of applicants submitting scores correlates with the observed drop in admission rates, suggesting that the university may be becoming more selective. The decreasing number of applicants who provided scores, combined with the increase in score ranges, indicates that while fewer students are taking standardized tests, those who do are achieving higher scores, which may reflect changing educational priorities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college admissions processes.

Overall, this data points towards a transformation in the admissions landscape at Point Loma Nazarene University, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving educational trends and student preferences in a competitive academic environment.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

3,265 applicants in 2025, 83.7% admitted

2,732 admitted 533 not admitted Yield 21.4%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's84710 international (1.2%)
Master's5138 international (1.6%)
Doctoral10 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
99
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
75
Psychology, General
73
Child Development
64
Elementary Education and Teaching
47
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other
41
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
36
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
28
Finance, General
26
Accounting
25

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Education, General · Master's161 (0% international)
  • Exercise Science and Kinesiology · Master's72 (0% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Master's54 (0% international)
  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's45 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's31 (6% international)
  • Physician Assistant · Master's30 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Point Loma Nazarene University

The graduation data from Point Loma Nazarene University for 2023 highlights some significant trends across various academic programs. Notably, the Master’s program in Education stands out with 138 graduates, indicating a strong interest in advanced studies within the education sector. This aligns with a broader national trend where education professionals are increasingly pursuing higher degrees, especially given the ongoing emphasis on educational reform and quality improvement.

In contrast, the Business Administration program had 70 graduates at the Master's level, with a small number of international students. This suggests a competitive yet stable interest in business studies, a reflection of the robust job market in various business sectors. However, the absence of bachelor and doctoral graduates in this field may indicate a saturation at the undergraduate level or a shift towards specialized master’s programs.

Psychology emerged as a notable area of undergraduate study, with 62 graduates. This reflects the growing recognition of mental health issues in society and the increasing demand for trained professionals in this field. The absence of international students in this category could point to potential barriers for non-resident students in pursuing psychology at the undergraduate level.

Furthermore, the lack of graduates in several programs, such as Public Administration and Worship Ministry, raises questions about student interest and market demand for these areas. This could also reflect broader societal shifts in career choices and the increasing focus on fields with high employment rates.

Overall, the data provides a snapshot of the academic landscape at Point Loma Nazarene University, revealing areas of strength in advanced education and psychology, while also highlighting potential areas for growth and reevaluation in other disciplines.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Educationhas 301 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.$70,053
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.-
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$51,184
Art Teacher Education.-
Music Teacher Education.-
Businesshas 257 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$53,063-$77,615
Organizational Leadership.$53,063-$77,615
Accounting.$81,589
Finance, General.$63,772
Management Information Systems, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$47,209
Health professionshas 181 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Physician Assistant.$33,152-$55,222
Athletic Training/Trainer.$33,152-$55,222
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.$33,152-$55,222
Dietetics/Dietitian.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$104,802-$110,814
Nursing Practice.$104,802-$110,814
Psychology has 127 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$31,042
Clinical Psychology.$54,039
Parks, recreation, leisure has 94 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$54,012
Human science has 72 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General.-
Child Development.$35,515
Biologyhas 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$45,440
Biochemistry.-
Communication has 57 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication, General.$36,377
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$36,377
Mass Communication/Media Studies.$36,377
Journalism, Other.-
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Organizational Communication, General.$48,757
Visual and Performing artshas 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Graphic Design.-
Music, General.-
Music Theory and Composition.-
Music Technology.-
Social sciencehas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Development Economics and International Development.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Information Technology.$66,457
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Homeland security has 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$48,557
English has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Writing, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Engineeringhas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Engineering, General.-
Computer Software Engineering.-
Natural resources has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Studies.-
Environmental Science.-
Philosophy has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy.-
Christian Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
International/Globalization Studies.-
Data Science, General.-
Public administrationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Public Administration.-
Social Work.-
History has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Physical scienceshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Foreign languages has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Theology has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Worship Ministry.-
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.-

Students

4,757 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 85.5%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,246)

White
1,672 · 51.5%
Hispanic
870 · 26.8%
Two or more races
253 · 7.8%
Asian
227 · 7.0%
Unknown
97 · 3.0%
Black
69 · 2.1%
International
37 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.2%
18–19
33.5%
20–21
38.6%
22–24
10.6%
25 and over
16.0%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.2%
22–24
24.2%
25–29
28.7%
30–34
16.1%
35 and over
29.7%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Point Loma Nazarene University in 2023

The enrollment data for 2023 at Point Loma Nazarene University reveals insightful trends in student demographics. Among undergraduate freshmen, the gender distribution shows a significant female majority, with 63.9% identifying as female and 36.1% as male. This trend is consistent across other categories, including undergraduate juniors and graduate students, where females represent 66.1% and 67.7%, respectively.

Interestingly, the proportion of male students is highest among undergraduate transfer students at 38%. This could suggest a growing interest among male students in transferring to complete their education. The overall student population also indicates a predominantly white demographic, although specific numbers for other racial categories are not fully disclosed, highlighting a need for further diversity initiatives.

The university's efforts in creating an inclusive environment are critical, especially in light of ongoing discussions around equity and representation in higher education. As institutions strive to attract a more diverse student body, the gender imbalance observed in this data may prompt targeted outreach to encourage male enrollment, particularly in programs where they are underrepresented.

Moreover, these statistics can serve as a benchmark for future comparisons, helping to track progress in diversifying the student population. With the increasing importance placed on diversity in academic settings, it is essential for Point Loma Nazarene University to not only maintain its current enrollment levels but also to enhance its appeal to a broader demographic spectrum.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Point Loma Nazarene University

The age distribution of students at Point Loma Nazarene University in 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. The majority of undergraduate students fall within the 18-21 age range, with 427 males and 791 females aged 18-19, and 358 males alongside 755 females in the 20-21 category. This concentration suggests that the university primarily attracts traditional college-age students, which is consistent with broader trends seen across many higher education institutions.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students as the age increases. For instance, the 22-24 age group includes only 158 male undergraduates and 202 female undergraduates, indicating a potential drop-off in enrollment as students transition into graduate programs or the workforce. This pattern continues, with even fewer students in the older age brackets, particularly evident in the 50-64 and over 65 categories, which collectively represent a mere fraction of the student population.

Moreover, the data illustrates that while there is a significant number of female students across all age categories, particularly in the younger demographics, the male representation in graduate programs is relatively strong, especially in the 25-29 age range. This could reflect a growing trend where males are pursuing advanced degrees later in life, possibly after gaining some professional experience.

Overall, Point Loma Nazarene University appears to be catering predominantly to younger students while also accommodating a smaller, yet significant, population of older students pursuing advanced degrees. This demographic composition is essential for the university in planning academic programs and support services tailored to the needs of its diverse student body.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.1%

37 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.8%2017: 1.2%2018: 1.1%2019: 1.0%2020: 1.1%2021: 0.8%2022: 1.1%2023: 1.0%2024: 1.1%2025: 1.1%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.9%

14 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.0%2017: 1.5%2018: 1.6%2019: 2.1%2020: 2.1%2021: 1.1%2022: 0.9%2023: 1.5%2024: 1.3%2025: 0.9%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Point Loma Nazarene University

The data on international student enrollment at Point Loma Nazarene University reveals significant fluctuations over the years. Particularly, the figures show a peak in undergraduate enrollment of international students in 2017, when 1.17% of the total undergraduate population were international students. This trend appears to have stabilized somewhat, with a slight decrease to 1.01% in 2023, indicating a potential plateau in international student interest or enrollment.

Graduate student enrollment trends exhibit a more positive trajectory, especially in 2019 and 2020, where the percentage of international students reached 2.06% and 2.13%, respectively. This suggests that the university may be increasingly appealing to graduate students from abroad, possibly due to specialized programs or support services tailored for this demographic.

However, the overall numbers for both undergraduate and graduate students show a declining trend in international representation after a peak in 2017 and 2020, respectively. This may reflect broader challenges in the global educational landscape, such as visa restrictions, economic fluctuations, or the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that have affected international mobility and student preferences.

In summary, while international student enrollment at Point Loma Nazarene University has shown some promising numbers, particularly at the graduate level, a focus on enhancing support for international students and addressing barriers to entry may be necessary to sustain and grow this important segment of the student body. As universities globally are competing for international talent, it will be vital for Point Loma Nazarene University to adapt its strategies to attract and retain these students effectively.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$59,900

Undergraduate tuition
$46,250
Room and board
$13,650
Graduate tuition
$11,880
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 43% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 39%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$155M

Tuition and fees
$104M67.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$24.4M15.8%
Investment return
$14.3M9.2%
Gifts and private grants
$6.9M4.5%
Government grants and contracts
$892K0.6%
Sales and services of educational activities
$312K0.2%
Other
$4.2M2.7%

Expenses$139M

Instruction
$46.6M33.4%
Institutional support
$28.4M20.4%
Student services
$25.1M18.1%
Academic support
$21.4M15.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$13.0M9.3%
Research
$737K0.5%
Other
$4.0M2.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$106,972peers $68,006
Professor
$120,344peers $78,041
Associate professor
$98,470peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$79,269peers $63,827

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Pacific West Conference

Pacific West Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer3032
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)-57
Basketball1617
Baseball32-
Volleyball-18
Tennis107
Golf-9
2024
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)-80
Soccer3231
Baseball33-
Basketball1319
Volleyball-19
Tennis98
Golf-6
2023
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)-70
Soccer2429
Basketball1421
Baseball31-
Tennis117
Volleyball-16
Golf-8

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Point Loma Nazarene University:

  1. University of San Diego - Ranked 98 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. University of California-San Diego - With a rank of 28, UC San Diego is a leading research university known for its strong science and engineering programs.

  3. San Diego State University - Ranked 105, SDSU is a comprehensive university that provides a diverse array of programs and is known for its vibrant campus life.

  4. Pomona College - This liberal arts college is highly regarded, ranked 4th in the nation, and offers a unique educational experience focused on undergraduate studies.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Known for its strong emphasis on economics and government, this liberal arts college ranks 11th in the US News rankings.

  6. Harvey Mudd College - With a rank of 16, Harvey Mudd is a prestigious liberal arts college that specializes in engineering, science, and mathematics.

These institutions represent a blend of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
152
Drug referrals
20
Motor vehicle theft
13
Stalking
7
Rape
3
Residence hall fires
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Point Loma Nazarene University

The crime statistics at Point Loma Nazarene University over the years reveal some interesting trends. The data indicates a noticeable fluctuation in the average crime rates per 1000 students, with a peak in 2019 at 4.18 incidents and a significant drop to 1.36 in 2015. This variability could be attributed to several factors, including changes in campus security policies, community engagement, or even broader societal issues affecting crime rates.

In 2023, the average crime rate rose again to 4.40, which reflects an increasing concern regarding safety on campus. Notably, the data highlights the most reported offenses, such as gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents. While the university appears to have implemented measures to tackle these issues, the rise in crime rates suggests that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of students.

It is essential for the university administration to continue monitoring these trends closely and to engage in proactive measures to mitigate crime. Regular safety workshops and community outreach programs could be beneficial. Furthermore, fostering a culture of reporting and support among students can empower them to take action against crime.

Overall, while the data presents a mixed picture, the commitment to improving campus safety remains crucial. For a comprehensive understanding of crime rates and their implications, one can refer to the methodology of calculating crime rates available at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Point Loma Nazarene University include Destin Daniel Cretton (Director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Natalie Harp (Political aide to Donald Trump) and Darlene Hooley (Former US representative from Oregon).

More alumni (7, by field)

Politics and law

Business

  • Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal

    Emirati businessman, founder of Alserkal

Science and academia

Arts and media

  • Susan Meissner 1961–

    Author, novelist and columnist

Sports

  • Marek Klassen 1992–

    Canadian professional basketball player

  • Marty Decker 1957–

    Former MLB pitcher for the San Diego Padres

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.