About

About Point Loma Nazarene University

faith-based missionsan diego coastal campusnursing and health focussmall private universitymasters level programs

Point Loma Nazarene University is a private university in San Diego, CA, known for its faith-based mission, san diego coastal campus, and nursing and health focus. With an acceptance rate of 82%, PLNU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 690 students each year. PLNU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1135–1255, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. PLNU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $20,096 per year; the sticker price of $54,906 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Point Loma Nazarene University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

82%
Overall Accept Rate
1.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1195
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1135 – 1255 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Point Loma Nazarene University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Point Loma Nazarene takes essays seriously and wants to see how your faith, values, or sense of purpose connects to your academic and personal goals. Be genuine about your worldview in your personal statement rather than keeping it generic.
Extracurriculars
Point Loma values service and community engagement deeply as part of its Wesleyan Holiness mission. Highlight extracurriculars that show consistent service to others, such as volunteer work, mission trips, or community organizing, rather than just listing clubs.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Point Loma Nazarene University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$55k/yr$31.0k
30k-48k~$55k/yr$32.1k
48k-75k~$55k/yr$32.9k
75k-110k~$55k/yr$33.0k
110k+~$55k/yr$41.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

74%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$55k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,961
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

52%White
27%Hispanic
8%Two or More Races
7%Asian
3%Unknown / Unreported
2%Black / African American
1%International
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender35% Men · 65% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
PLNU, San Diego Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch