PLNU vs. Manhattan University

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Manhattan University based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,225 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Manhattan University is in Riverdale, NY (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Manhattan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Manhattan University 15:1.

PLNU vs. Manhattan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Manhattan University? 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 Manhattan University than PLNU ($29,717 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 27.4% lower than at Manhattan University ($13,650 vs. $18,800).
• Manhattan University is 15.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $7,150 more per year; $53,400.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.5% higher at Manhattan University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $7,150 more per year; $53,400.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manhattan University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Manhattan University students is 64.6% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($34,078 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Manhattan University Admissions comparison

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

• Manhattan University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is the same as at Manhattan University (1270).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Manhattan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Manhattan University 1180/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Manhattan University 25/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Manhattan University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Manhattan University Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Manhattan University (3.63).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Manhattan University (78.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 8% at Manhattan University.

PLNU vs. Manhattan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Manhattan University? 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 Manhattan University (72% vs. 72%).
• Graduates from Manhattan University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 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 Manhattan University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Manhattan University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Manhattan University 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.