PLNU vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (37,661 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 Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

PLNU vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or San Jose 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 Jose State University than PLNU ($13,892 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 34.9% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,650 vs. $20,971).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 449.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $37,840 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 120.1% higher at PLNU than at San Jose State University (about $25,240 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at San Jose State University (94% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students is 67.6% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($20,702 vs. $12,353).

PLNU vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 140 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

PLNU vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and San Jose 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 Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($155 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 73%)

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.