PLNU vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

PLNU vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson University than PLNU ($32,406 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 25.2% lower than at Clarkson University ($13,650 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 28.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $13,148 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.4% higher at Clarkson than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $13,148 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 124.8% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($46,528 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 30 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Clarkson (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

PLNU vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Clarkson? 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).

• The graduation rate at PLNU is the same as at Clarkson University (72% vs. 72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.