At $50,168/yr net price, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates earn $63,998/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,998/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $50,168 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $200,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,998/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,998/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,990 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $44,837/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $47,378/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $49,500/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $51,106/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,154/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $118,210 | $50,562 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $85,206 | $24,784 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | $34,519 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $66,821 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $63,749 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $61,681 | $42,924 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Bachelor | $40,402 | $22,658 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
73.8% of students at Point Loma Nazarene University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Point Loma Nazarene University delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other majors given its $50,168 annual cost. Your financial success here depends almost entirely on your program choice.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture, with graduates earning $85,000 to $118,000 annually. Even with higher debt loads reaching $50,562 for some nursing tracks, these programs justify the investment. Business administration graduates earn $69,338, making it the only non-nursing major that approaches reasonable returns.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside these programs. With median earnings of just $63,998 across all graduates, most majors fail to generate sufficient income to offset the high sticker price. Liberal arts, education, and social science majors face particularly challenging debt-to-income ratios.
You face specific risks at PLNU beyond program selection. Only 22.73% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. The 73.8% graduation rate means roughly one in four students pay substantial costs without earning a degree. San Diego's high cost of living compounds the debt burden after graduation.
PLNU makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and can handle the debt load that comes with clinical training. Business majors should compare outcomes carefully with less expensive alternatives. For all other programs, you should seriously consider lower-cost options that deliver similar career preparation.
Merit scholarship opportunities exist but remain limited given the low percentage receiving aid. Your best strategy involves securing outside scholarships or choosing a more affordable path unless nursing is your clear career goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Point Loma Nazarene University worth the high tuition cost?
Point Loma Nazarene University's $50,168 annual net price is steep compared to median earnings of $64,000 ten years after graduation. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with nursing programs showing strong returns but other fields struggling to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Nursing programs at Point Loma Nazarene University offer the strongest financial returns, with advanced nursing degrees earning over $118,000 annually. Business and finance majors earn $63,000-$69,000, which barely covers the debt load from this expensive private school.
How much student debt do Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have?
Point Loma Nazarene University graduates carry a median debt of $22,990, which is manageable compared to other private schools. However, the high annual costs mean many students need significant family support or scholarships to avoid much higher debt levels.
Does Point Loma Nazarene University provide good financial aid?
Despite financial aid, Point Loma Nazarene University still costs over $50,000 annually for most students. The 73% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees, making the investment even riskier for those without strong academic preparation.