PLNU vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

PLNU vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University than PLNU ($14,704 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 40.7% lower than at San Diego State University ($13,650 vs. $23,030).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 429.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $37,522 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.9% higher at PLNU than at San Diego State University (about $24,922 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at San Diego State University (94% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students is 71.8% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($20,702 vs. $12,053).

PLNU vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 70 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

PLNU vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and San Diego State? 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).

• Point Loma Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $100 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $9,651 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($15,349 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($158 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 65%)

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.