PLNU vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

PLNU vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America than PLNU ($15,691 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 5.1% lower than at Soka University of America ($13,650 vs. $14,378).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 19.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $7,522 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.4% higher at PLNU than at Soka University of America (about $7,522 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 90.2% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($39,373 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Soka University of America? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Soka University of America and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 150 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Soka University of America students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

PLNU vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Soka University of America? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Soka University of America's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University have median earnings of about $53,500 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have a $2,712 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($22,288 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.