PLNU vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Providence College 11:1.

PLNU vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Providence? 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 Providence ($39,696 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 23.5% lower than at Providence College ($13,650 vs. $17,840).
• Providence College is 37.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $17,300 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.4% higher at Providence than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $17,300 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at Providence College (94% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Providence College students is 54% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($31,873 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is 50 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming Providence 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: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Providence (3.47).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 19.2% at Providence.

PLNU vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Providence? 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).

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Providence College earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,000 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 Providence graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.