PLNU vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Messiah University 12:1.

PLNU vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Messiah 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 Messiah University than PLNU ($29,408 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 4% lower than at Point Loma Nazarene University ($13,098 vs. $13,650).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 9.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $4,010 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.5% higher at PLNU than at Messiah University (about $4,010 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($26,576 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University 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 Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

PLNU vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Messiah 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.