UOP vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

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

University of the Pacific is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (6,944 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UOP vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UOP or PLNU? 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 the Pacific than PLNU ($31,670 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 20.6% lower than at University of the Pacific ($13,650 vs. $17,190).
• University of the Pacific is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $10,830 more per year; $57,080.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.4% higher at UOP than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $10,830 more per year; $57,080.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Pacific than at Point Loma Nazarene University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of the Pacific students is 98.6% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($41,111 vs. $20,702).

UOP vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of the Pacific (1330) is 60 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at UOP).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Pacific 1183/1480; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Pacific 23/32; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UOP - Test optional; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UOP Jan 15, 2027; PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at UOP (3.58).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than UOP (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at UOP vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

UOP vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UOP and PLNU? 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 University of the Pacific's (69%).
• Graduates from University of the Pacific earn a median of about $27,900 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,400 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Pacific graduates have a $375 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($24,625 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UOP graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($254 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UOP students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 70%)

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.