PLNU vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Whittier College 8:1.

PLNU vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Whittier College? 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 Whittier College than PLNU ($28,101 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 20.1% lower than at Whittier College ($13,650 vs. $17,082).
• Whittier College is 11% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $5,100 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11% higher at Whittier College than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $5,100 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whittier College than at Point Loma Nazarene University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 74.7% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($36,176 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 30 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Whittier College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Whittier College (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

PLNU vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Whittier College? 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 Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 69%)

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.