PLNU vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Simmons University 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); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Simmons University 9:1.

PLNU vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Simmons 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 Simmons University than PLNU ($28,691 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 22.5% lower than at Simmons University ($13,650 vs. $17,618).
• Simmons University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $624 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Simmons University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $624 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 69.7% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($35,123 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simmons University (1310) is 40 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming Simmons University 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; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

PLNU vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Simmons 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).

• Point Loma Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $52,800), 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 Simmons University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Simmons University 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.