PLNU vs. USC

Comparable Facts

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

University of Southern California is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (46,566 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 Southern California is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; University of Southern California 9:1.

PLNU vs. USC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or USC? 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 USC ($39,696 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 31.5% lower than at University of Southern California ($13,650 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 55.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $25,847 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.9% higher at USC than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $25,847 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at University of Southern California (94% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 126.5% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($46,897 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. USC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 230 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming USC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at PLNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; University of Southern California 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; University of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; USC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USC students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 43.3% at USC.

PLNU vs. USC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and USC? 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 Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $32,000 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern California graduates have a $2,625 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($22,375 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, USC graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.