About Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene sits on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. The university serves 3,132 students on its clifftop campus and has built a strong reputation in nursing, business, and marine science. With an 82% acceptance rate, PLNU welcomes students into its Christian liberal arts community. The campus setting provides both the intimacy of a smaller college and access to one of California's most desirable cities.
Students face significant costs with tuition at $43,550, though the average net price of $50,168 includes room and board. Graduates earn a median of $64,000 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the investment. Most students graduate with $22,990 in debt and monthly loan payments of $244. The 95% employment rate suggests graduates find work relatively quickly after completing their degrees.
Women make up 66% of the student body, creating a female-heavy campus environment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors. With 73% of students coming from California, the campus maintains a strong West Coast identity. The Sea Lions compete in NCAA Division II athletics, with 231 student-athletes participating across 10 varsity sports.
Students face significant costs with tuition at $43,550, though the average net price of $50,168 includes room and board. Graduates earn a median of $64,000 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the investment. Most students graduate with $22,990 in debt and monthly loan payments of $244. The 95% employment rate suggests graduates find work relatively quickly after completing their degrees.
Women make up 66% of the student body, creating a female-heavy campus environment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors. With 73% of students coming from California, the campus maintains a strong West Coast identity. The Sea Lions compete in NCAA Division II athletics, with 231 student-athletes participating across 10 varsity sports.
Academics & Faculty
Point Loma's Christian liberal arts foundation shapes every academic program, from its nationally recognized nursing school to its growing marine science department that takes advantage of the Pacific coastline. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions where faith and learning intersect daily. With a 75% four-year graduation rate, students benefit from close mentoring relationships with professors who know them by name. The business program attracts many students seeking to blend entrepreneurship with Christian ethics. Marine science majors conduct research just steps from their clifftop classrooms. The nursing program maintains strong clinical partnerships throughout San Diego's healthcare network. Liberal arts requirements ensure every graduate can think critically across disciplines while exploring their calling.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.8%
- Retention Rate
- 86.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,998
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $118,210 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $85,206 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $66,821 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $63,749 |
| Education, General. | Master | $61,681 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Bachelor | $40,402 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Campus Life
Point Loma sits on dramatic bluffs 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean, giving students one of California's most stunning campus views. San Diego's downtown lies just seven miles away, while perfect 70-degree weather means you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. About 59% of students live in the campus housing that accommodates 1,859 residents.
The Christian campus culture shapes daily rhythms with required chapel attendance and a dry campus policy. Students often study on outdoor patios overlooking Sunset Cliffs or hit the nearby beaches for volleyball and surfing. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentorship opportunities, especially strong in the well-regarded nursing program. Weekend adventures typically involve exploring Balboa Park, hitting Pacific Beach, or joining Sea Lions athletic events in the Pacific West Conference. With 66% female enrollment, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation means faith integration happens naturally in both academics and residence life, creating a tight-knit community where 86% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
The Christian campus culture shapes daily rhythms with required chapel attendance and a dry campus policy. Students often study on outdoor patios overlooking Sunset Cliffs or hit the nearby beaches for volleyball and surfing. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentorship opportunities, especially strong in the well-regarded nursing program. Weekend adventures typically involve exploring Balboa Park, hitting Pacific Beach, or joining Sea Lions athletic events in the Pacific West Conference. With 66% female enrollment, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation means faith integration happens naturally in both academics and residence life, creating a tight-knit community where 86% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,859 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1902
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 49°–66°F
- July Avg
- 65°–74°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
This Christian university draws primarily from California, with 73% of students coming from in-state. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the popularity of PLNU's nursing and education programs. The campus serves a racially diverse population, with over one-third of students identifying as Hispanic, Black, or Asian. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school attracts middle-class families seeking faith-based education. Students tend to share the university's evangelical values while representing varied economic backgrounds across Southern California's diverse communities.
- Men
- 33.7%
- Women
- 66.3%
- White
- 53.0%
- Black
- 2.0%
- Hispanic
- 26.3%
- Asian
- 6.5%
- In-State Students
- 73.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.7%
Location
Point Loma Nazarene sits on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California. The campus enjoys one of the most stunning settings in American higher education, perched above the waves in the Point Loma neighborhood. San Diego's year-round mild climate and beaches create an ideal environment for the university's 3,132 students. The city offers internship opportunities in biotechnology, defense, and tourism industries. Students can surf before class or explore Balboa Park between studies. The campus lies just minutes from downtown San Diego and the Mexican border. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Point Loma Nazarene University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Diego, California 92106-2899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,998
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,384
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,990
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Point Loma admits 82% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The Christian university emphasizes well-rounded admissions that consider faith commitment alongside academic credentials.
How much does Point Loma Nazarene University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $50,168 annually, with total attendance costs reaching $57,338. Only 23% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body at this private Christian institution.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Point Loma Nazarene University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,132 total students. This small class environment supports the school's emphasis on personalized Christian education and mentorship.
How much do Point Loma Nazarene University graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $63,998 ten years after graduation with a 95.3% employment rate. Graduates typically carry $22,990 in debt, which is manageable given the university's strong outcomes in nursing and business programs.
Where is Point Loma Nazarene University located?
The campus sits on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. This scenic 90-acre location provides students with both urban opportunities and natural beauty, earning it recognition as one of America's most beautiful college campuses.
What is the gender breakdown at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Women comprise 66% of the student body while men make up 34%. This gender imbalance reflects the university's popularity among students pursuing nursing and education, fields that traditionally attract more women.
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