California Lutheran University vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Point Loma Nazarene University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran 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: California Lutheran University 13:1; Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1.

California Lutheran University vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran 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 California Lutheran University than PLNU ($32,774 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 18.8% lower than at California Lutheran University ($13,650 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 13.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $6,310 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at California Lutheran University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $6,310 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 73.2% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($35,855 vs. $20,702).

California Lutheran University vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran 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 California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 30 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at California Lutheran University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

California Lutheran University vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran 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 California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 70%)

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.