Monthly Update
8.14.2024
We are so excited to announce that PLNU applications for 2025-2026 are open! Check out this link to apply https://www.pointloma.edu/application Learn More
gradeB+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?Data Sources
Academics
gradeB+
Value
gradeB+
Diversity
gradeB+
Campus
gradeA
Athletics
gradeB
Party Scene
gradeC
Professors
gradeB
Location
gradeA+
Dorms
gradeA
Campus Food
gradeB minus
Student Life
gradeA minus
Safety
gradeA minus
From Point Loma Nazarene University
As a Christian liberal arts university, PLNU is committed to shaping students’ academic, personal, and spiritual growth. Our mission isn’t simply to prepare you for a career after you graduate — though that’s part of it — but to shape you into a thoughtful, service-minded, and engaged member of your community and world.We believe this happens when students critically explore various fields of thought across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities — such as our Foundational Explorations general education curriculum — with a concern for serving others and an openness to God’s grace at work in our communities, nations, and lives. Our faculty members are known for their excellence as teachers and scholars in their respective fields, as well as for their commitment to forming relationships with students built around mentorship and accountability to help students thrive academically, professionally, and spiritually.
About Point Loma Nazarene...
- Christian
- Common App Accepted
- Private
- SAT/ACT Optional
- Some Online Degrees
Athletics Division
NCAA Division II (without football)
Athletics Conference
Pacific West Conference
- California
- San Diego
Branch Campuses
Branch Campuses of Point Loma Nazarene University
- sort list below by grade activeBest
- sort list below alphabetically disabledA-Z
- gradeunavailablePoint Loma Nazarene University OnlineSAN DIEGO, CA Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
Point Loma Nazarene University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
See All Point Loma Nazarene University Rankings
Admissions
Application Deadline
Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
February 15
Acceptance Rate
82%
SAT Range
1170-1350
ACT Range
22-30
Application Fee
$55
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
Accepts Common App
Yes
Read More About Admissions
Will You Get Into PLNU?
YouTube Video
Cost
Net Price
$34,933/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Find Private Student Loans
Find College Scholarships
Average Total Aid Awarded
$19,422/ year
National
$7,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
100%
Find college scholarships
Academics
Professors
gradeB
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
11:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
87%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.62 responses
65%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.72 responses
46%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.72 responses
Read More About Academics
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
137 Graduates
Business
115 Graduates
Child Development
95 Graduates
Psychology
67 Graduates
Elementary Education
59 Graduates
Health Professions
42 Graduates
Biology
40 Graduates
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
37 Graduates
Marketing
33 Graduates
Information Technology
31 Graduates
More
See All Majors
PLNU's Distinctive Nursing Program
From your first semester as a BSN student, you will be working with patients using cutting-edge technology in a variety of clinical settings, which will provide you with over 1,100 clinical hours by graduation day - an advantage unique to PLNU.
Online Academics
Offers Online Courses
College offers distance education courses.
Yes
How Students Learn
Based on class setting of student enrollment.
Mix of Online and on Campus
23%
On Campus
70%
Online
6%
Programs Offered Entirely Online
Total number of complete undergraduate programs offered online or through distance learning.
1
Online Certificate Programs
Total number of certificate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Associates Programs
Total number of associate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Bachelor's Programs
Total number of bachelor's degree programs offered online or through distance education.
1
Explore All Online Majors
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
2,729Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
425
Undergrads Over 25
13%
Pell Grant
15%
Varsity Athletes
8%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on
67 responses
Friendly
46%
Kind and willing to help
27%
White
21%
Inexperienced
3%
Outgoing
1%
Unknown online
1%
More
Read More About the Students
Campus Life
Freshman Live On-Campus
81%
Day Care Services
No
Poll
87%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.84 responses
Poll
72%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.109 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on
62 responses
"Point Loma bubble"
31%
Christian community
23%
Beach
18%
Community
13%
360 degree ocean view
8%
Top-notch professors
5%
Home away from home
2%
More
52%
of students highly rate the athletics/recreation facilities.73 responses
40%
of students highly rate the dining facilities.73 responses
53%
of students highly rate the performing arts facilities.73 responses
Read More About Campus Life
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$50,900/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
76%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
91%
National
83%
78%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.40 responses
Read More About Life After Graduation
Point Loma Nazarene University Reviews
Rating 3.79 out of 5 1,059 reviews
Rating 2 out of 5
I had the worst first year at loma. I struggled with my housing situation and lived with a bunch of people who were mean and treated me TERRIBLE. There was one incident in particular that was completely unacceptable and involved a complete violation of one of the dorm bathrooms. I could not take living there anymore and was talking with the EAC. However, the lady that worked there was completely uninterested in hearing my story and invalidated everything I have been through. She was super condescending and just unkind. I wish I could rate this school higher because I think their values and academics are great, but the EAC does not accommodate people in need. This school is small and if you are looking for housing to accommodate, they are unable to grant what you need as a student. It is very disappointing because I believe it is a true problem that they do not have enough housing for people in desperate need of a single dorm or not a shared bathroom.
- Sophom*ore
- 6 days ago
Rating 5 out of 5
Overall Experience:
My experience at Point Loma Nazarene University has been a mix of personal growth, academic challenges, and a close-knit community that has made my time here memorable.
What I Liked:
One of the things I truly appreciated about PLNU is the sense of community. The small class sizes allowed for more personalized interactions with professors, who are genuinely invested in your success. The campus itself is beautiful, with breathtaking views that make it a unique and peaceful place to study. The emphasis on both academic excellence and spiritual development has also been a strong point for me, fostering a well-rounded experience.
What Could Change:
While my experience has been largely positive, there are a few areas where I think PLNU could improve. For instance, I would love to see more diverse course offerings, particularly in some of the specialized fields.
- Freshman
- a month ago
Rating 5 out of 5
My time at Point Loma Nazarene University was transformative and memorable in countless ways. From the moment I set foot on the stunning oceanfront campus, I felt welcomed and inspired by the vibrant community and the breathtaking views. The faculty and staff are genuinely invested in students' success, providing personalized attention and support that goes beyond academics.
One of the highlights of my experience was the close-knit community. The small class sizes allowed for meaningful interactions with professors, who were not just educators but mentors. Their open-door policies and willingness to engage in deep, thoughtful discussions made learning a deeply enriching experience. The relationships I built with my peers were equally valuable, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Junior
- 2 months ago
