PLNU vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (10,506 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); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

PLNU vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton than PLNU ($32,794 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 18.8% lower than at University of Dayton ($13,650 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $2,890 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at University of Dayton than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $2,890 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Point Loma Nazarene University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 61.4% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($33,418 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 20 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at University of Dayton (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

PLNU vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and University of Dayton? 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).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $53,500), 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 University of Dayton graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.