California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

Compare California State Polytechnic University Humboldt in Arcata, CA with Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (6,237 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is located in Arcata, CA (Remote Town setting); Point Loma Nazarene University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 16:1; Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1.

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt 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 State Polytechnic University Humboldt than PLNU ($14,090 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 3.3% lower than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt ($13,650 vs. $14,118).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 460.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (about $38,000 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $8,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.8% higher at PLNU than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (about $25,400 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $20,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (94% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students is 92.6% larger than aid received by California State Polytechnic University Humboldt students ($20,702 vs. $10,748).

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt 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 State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 190 points higher than at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (1080).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 970/1190; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 17/25; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt - Test-free; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Apr 30, 2027; PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (3.33).
• California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a higher acceptance rate (98.2%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.9% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt 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 State Polytechnic University Humboldt's (40%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State Polytechnic University Humboldt graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($201 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 56%)

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.