PLNU vs. TCU

Comparable Facts

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

Texas Christian University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (12,938 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); Texas Christian University is in Fort Worth, TX (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Texas Christian University 14:1.

PLNU vs. TCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or TCU? 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 TCU ($39,696 vs. $41,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 18.3% lower than at Texas Christian University ($13,650 vs. $16,700).
• Texas Christian University is 33.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $15,490 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.5% higher at TCU than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $15,490 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at Texas Christian University (94% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas Christian University students is 68.9% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($34,975 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. TCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 20 points higher than at TCU (1250).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at TCU (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Texas Christian University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Texas Christian University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; TCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; TCU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TCU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than TCU (44.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 24.7% at TCU.

PLNU vs. TCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and TCU? 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).

• Texas Christian University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Texas Christian University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas Christian University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, TCU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TCU students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 77%)

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.