Point Loma Nazarene University
PLNU
San Diego, California 92106-2899
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private institution in San Diego with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1278, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 3.1K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
74% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $63,998 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $50,168.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History The university was founded by six female laypersons in the Church of the Nazarene with the assistance of Phineas F.
- •" The women went ahead with their plan, with money raised from their husbands, and Pacific Bible College opened in 1902 under Principal Mary Hill with 41 students.
- •In 1906, Bresee's interest in the college was piqued with a large donation from Mr.
- •Bresee now saw the possibility for a real liberal arts college in the newly renamed Deets Pacific Bible College.
- •It became one of the first three "official" educational institutions affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene in 1908, and was named Deets Pacific Bible College in 1909.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1278
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
50.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Programs (70)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
86%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
24
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium