Pepperdine vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Point Loma Nazarene University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine 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: Pepperdine University 12:1; Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1.

Pepperdine vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine 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 Point Loma Nazarene University than Pepperdine ($39,696 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 37.2% lower than at Pepperdine University ($13,650 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 51.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $23,668 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.2% higher at Pepperdine than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $23,668 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at Pepperdine University (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pepperdine University students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($26,927 vs. $20,702).

Pepperdine vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 100 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at PLNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

Pepperdine vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine 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).

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $18,200 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 75%)

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.