Azusa Pacific University vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA with Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Azusa Pacific University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (6,272 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Azusa Pacific University is located in Azusa, CA (Large Suburban setting); Point Loma Nazarene University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Azusa Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Azusa Pacific University 9:1; Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1.

Azusa Pacific University vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Azusa Pacific University or PLNU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Azusa Pacific University than PLNU ($26,143 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Azusa Pacific University are 21.6% lower than at Point Loma Nazarene University ($10,704 vs. $13,650).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Azusa Pacific University (about $1,792 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $44,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at PLNU than at Azusa Pacific University (about $1,792 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $44,458.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Azusa Pacific University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Azusa Pacific University students is 47.3% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($30,504 vs. $20,702).

Azusa Pacific University vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Azusa Pacific University or PLNU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between PLNU and Azusa Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 160 points higher than at Azusa Pacific University (1110).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Azusa Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Azusa Pacific University 983/1238; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Azusa Pacific University 25/30; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Azusa Pacific University - Test optional; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Azusa Pacific University Jun 1, 2027; PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Azusa Pacific University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• Azusa Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Azusa Pacific University vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

Azusa Pacific University vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Azusa Pacific University and PLNU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Point Loma Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Azusa Pacific University's (63%).
• Graduates from Azusa Pacific University earn a median of about $700 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Azusa Pacific University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Azusa Pacific University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Azusa Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.