PLNU vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PLNU vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Hope College? 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 Hope College than PLNU ($30,700 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 5.1% lower than at Point Loma Nazarene University ($12,950 vs. $13,650).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 10.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hope College (about $4,280 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at PLNU than at Hope College (about $4,280 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hope College than at Point Loma Nazarene University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hope College students is 20.5% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($24,945 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 50 points higher than at Hope College (1220).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Hope College (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Hope College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Hope College (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

PLNU vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Hope College? 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $47,500), 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 Hope College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.