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.
Test Score Strategy
Since Point Loma Nazarene is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, you are better off leaving scores off your application and letting your GPA, activities, and essays carry your file.

Get a tailored strategy for Point Loma Nazarene University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

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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 PriceEst. 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
Point Loma Nazarene University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch