PLNU vs. Whitworth University

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Whitworth University based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Whitworth University is in Spokane, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitworth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Whitworth University 11:1.

PLNU vs. Whitworth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Whitworth University? 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 Whitworth University than PLNU ($27,605 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 4.5% lower than at Whitworth University ($13,650 vs. $14,300).
• Whitworth University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $6,630 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at Whitworth University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $6,630 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whitworth University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitworth University students is 98.1% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($41,007 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Whitworth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 60 points higher than at Whitworth University (1210).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Whitworth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Whitworth University 1090/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Whitworth University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Whitworth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Whitworth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitworth University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• Whitworth University has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 13.9% at Whitworth University.

PLNU vs. Whitworth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Whitworth University? 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).

• Whitworth University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Whitworth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $46,200), 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 Whitworth University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whitworth University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whitworth University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 71%)

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.