About Point Loma Nazarene University

Founded in 1902, Point Loma Nazarene University. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 2,995 full time undergraduate students, and 1,103 full time graduate students.

The Point Loma Nazarene University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 134 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Point Loma Nazarene University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee55
SAT Range1030-1240
ACT Range23-28

Admissions at PLNU are considered Selective, with ,20% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 19 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

93% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 67% were in the top quarter, and 36% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Point Loma Nazarene University.

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    78 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    58 Students rated off-campus housing 3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    79 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    80 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    80 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 70 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    79 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    79 Students rated local services 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    80 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

Point Loma Nazarene University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Point Loma Nazarene University?

22 Students rated Point Loma Nazarene University

Kate - 03/10/2021

Point Loma Nazarene has always been a welcoming university. To be now a student in the University has been life changing. Point Loma has a great support system no matter what background you’re coming from. The Faculty members and the professors play a role in your life. They guide you to the right direction in what you need for your major and your career. During this time, they’ve been extra reassuring about our wellbeing and our education. Students here in Point Loma are very kind. You can never pass by a student without saying Hi; everyone will say Hi even if they don’t know you. Point Loma has a positive environment. The University is a safe place where it has security and bus transportation for students. Also, Point Loma is near the ocean. Point Loma has a beautiful campus that is breathtaking. Locales would come into the University to go surfing. The University has good connections with the community. Point Loma Nazarene has an upstanding characteristic. I believe that Point Loma Nazarene University is the best.

Florentine - 08/26/2020

Point Loma is a beautiful school even if it doesn't American football. The most thing I like about it is that it has a small-sized class and that's good for me because I work better in small sizes than a class of 200 students. I really hope they can accept me. Point Loma is not diverse because it's expensive and people of color can not afford it unless they are offered a scholarship. Being at a school that does not have p[people that look like you can be weird. Other than that, It's an amazing school.

Jaden - 04/25/2020

PLNU is incredible. Not only is it right on the ocean, but the school is dedicated to academics and walking with students through their journey both academically and spiritually. It's not too big that you aren't noticed by professors, but it's not too small that you've met everyone within the first week. Chapel is a requirement and faith is often talked about in the classroom--they're biblically oriented and very open to any worldviews, but they aren't afraid to share theirs. It won't be forced on you, but you will hear it often. Overall, I would highly recommend PLNU to anyone who's serious about their academics and looking for a community to belong to.

Alesia - 01/06/2020

Point Loma Nazararene University is a one-of-a-kind school and once you're on campus you may enter the 'Loma Bubble'. The term Loma Bubble comes from a feeling of calmness and nothing serious that happens in the world is ever talked about on campus. The school is right on the edge of the California coast and most of the students that attend the school live for the water and surfing. The surf culture completely dominates the student body. Another important aspect about the school is the christian atmosphere. Students are required to attend chapel and most clubs and organizations hold God at the center. In regards to academics, class sizes are perfect and professors care a lot about attendance and invest in their students. This school is truly like no other.

Point Loma Nazarene University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Point Loma Nazarene University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Point Loma Nazarene University is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would explain dorm life, because last August, when I moved into this noisy, crowded, and lively communal living environment, I had a hard time adjusting. I hadn?t anticipated the lack of privacy, hadn?t expected the constant action buzzing in the hallways, and worst, hadn?t realized a bathroom no longer means a haven of seclusion and peace, but a bustling arena of giggling girls, temperamental showers, and the various mingling odors of strangers. It took but a day before I began to long for my bathroom, blessedly clean and non-florescent lit. I mourned the loss of my closet, larger than this coffin stuck to the wall in which I was supposed to stuff all my things. I craved my old bed, with a mattress softer than a graham cracker. And I missed my privacy. However, as I became better friends with my hall-mates, solitude became not only unimportant, but unwanted; I began to appreciate the camaraderie and support and friendship I was around all day and night. I love my dorm now, but I wish I would have understood how positive of an experience it is sooner.

    Read all 84 answers

  3. What's unique about your campus?

    The education I received in my major, an the small class sizes. Also the great faculty.

    Read all 17 answers

  4. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Conservative christians and liberals both go here, but its easier on a christian, because we have chapel three times a week here.

    Read all 16 answers

  5. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish that I had known that God would take care of me. I spent so much time fretting about financial aid, but I knew that I needed to be at this school. I still don't have all the money, but I know that the education is totally worth the discomfort that I feel until it's totally paid for.

    Read all 15 answers

  6. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I'm fortunate to go to such a great and beautiful school that makes this question hard to answer. If I had to change one thing it would be the same as the one thing I would have like to have known before attending. I would change how students know who their advisors are. I would like to have it specifically listed on the schools webpage.

    Read all 15 answers

  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Point Loma was the only Christian school I applied to. Most of the schools that attracted me were small, liberal arts oriented, and in California. Point Loma ended up being the perfect fit because they have diverse majors to choose from, a good financial aid package, and they were the perfect distance from home: far enough to be independent, close enough to go back when I wanted. Point Loma's location is unique as well. Right on the cliffs, in San Diego, there is every kind of pastime I'm interested in.

    Read all 14 answers

  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who is made to attend this school. No one should attend this school that is forced, or not really wanting to succeed.

    Read all 14 answers

  9. Describe the students at your school.

    At Point Loma Nazarene University we have a wide variety of students, in my expeirenceds I have seen a great amount of dedicated and scholarly people who have a passion and urning for knowledge.

    Read all 13 answers

  10. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Point Loma Nazarene University is a beautiful campus with a stong comunity and a very well rounded religous feel to it.

    Read all 12 answers

  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Point Loma is mostly known for its beautiful beach campus. Academically, it is known for its nursing and business programs.

    Read all 10 answers

  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    This school is like a family. There is a lot ov ways to get involved both on campus an in the community.

    Read all 10 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The emphasis Point Loma puts on 'teach, shape, send' and sometimes an incongruence with those values...often I feel more restricted and limited than enabled by certain rules or practices.

    Read all 9 answers

Student Body

Students

65%

female

35%

male

2,995

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,103

Total Grad Students

24%

Out-Of-State

75%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

38

Student Organizations

2

Fraternities

3

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

54%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
6%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
24%
% White or Caucasian
55%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

92% of students attending Point Loma Nazarene University receive some sort of financial aid. 26% were awarded federal grants. While 59% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$33,500

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,790

Books and Supplies

$9,950

Room and Board

45,240

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$24,171
$30 - $48K
$23,122
$48 - $75K
$27,290
$75 - $110K
$31,553
$110K & UP
$36,309

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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