George Fox vs Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)

George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University, both esteemed private institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. George Fox, rooted in Quaker values, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Point Loma Nazarene, affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, offers a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, providing a diverse and vibrant campus environment. While both universities excel in various disciplines, George Fox is renowned for its strong programs in business, nursing, and education, while Point Loma Nazarene shines in fields such as biology, psychology, and engineering. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover further distinctions between these two exceptional universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	George Fox University	Point Loma Nazarene University
Overview
Location	Newberg, Oregon	San Diego, California
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	82.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Protestant	Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.5%	83.7%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1090 - 1350	1170 - 1350
ACT range	19 - 27	22 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	8.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	10.0%	10.0%
Total number of applicants	3,957	3,060
Total number of admissions given out	3,266	2,560
Admitted students who chose to enroll	647	662
Yield rate	19.8%	25.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$54,220	$62,642
Average net price	$31,236	$34,851
Tuition	$37,840	$38,800
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,200 Meal plan: $5,500	$11,300
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $21,534	100.0% Average amount $18,365
Students receiving federal student loan	72.0% Average amount $5,564	45.0% Average amount $5,325
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $18,780	6.0% Average amount $22,040

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,559 Men 39.0% Women 61.0%	3,174 Men 34.3% Women 65.7%
Graduate students	1,726 Men 31.4% Women 68.6%	1,271 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	45.0%	26.3%
International students	0.5%	1.1%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,358	1,845
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Oregon Washington California Hawaii Colorado	California Washington Colorado Arizona Hawaii

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Theology Business Psychology	Business Health Professions Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.5%	72.7%
Dropout rate	7.9%	3.8%
Transferred out	22.5%	22.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,566 Year 2: $74,307 Year 3: $81,113 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,191 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $79,443 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $72,250 Year 2: $74,721 Year 3: $77,301 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,179 Year 2: $60,230 Year 3: $68,898 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,390 Year 2: $57,125 Year 3: $64,215 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $66,736 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $56,992 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,569 Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: $54,632 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,499 Year 2: $46,227 Year 3: $48,515 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,935 Year 2: $40,945 Year 3: $46,179 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,147 Year 2: $46,924 Year 3: $43,877	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,619 Year 2: $118,210 Year 3: $128,990 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $85,406 Year 2: $85,206 Year 3: $89,492 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,310 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,351 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $76,001 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $74,448 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,649 Year 2: $61,681 Year 3: $59,139 Business/Corporate Communications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,198 Year 2: $40,402 Year 3: $43,339 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,184 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $43,147 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,147 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $41,978 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,647 Year 2: $30,228 Year 3: $35,103

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University?

George Fox University (GFU) and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) are both Christian universities, but they differ in location, denomination, and campus culture. GFU is located in Newberg, Oregon, a smaller town near Portland, and is affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church. PLNU is situated in San Diego, California, offering a vibrant coastal setting, and is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. PLNU tends to have a slightly larger student body and a more pronounced emphasis on arts and sciences, while GFU is known for its strong professional programs and close-knit community.
Which university is more affordable: George Fox University or Point Loma Nazarene University?

Generally, George Fox University tends to have a slightly lower overall cost of attendance compared to Point Loma Nazarene University. However, the actual cost can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, including financial aid packages, scholarships, and chosen program of study. It's best to visit the financial aid websites of both universities and use their net price calculators to get a personalized estimate.
How do the academic programs at George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. PLNU is particularly strong in areas like nursing, business, and communications, benefiting from its location in a major media market. GFU excels in fields such as engineering, education, and psychology, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical application. Both institutions provide a liberal arts foundation, but their specific program strengths and emphases differ.
What is the campus culture like at George Fox University versus Point Loma Nazarene University?

George Fox University fosters a close-knit, community-oriented environment, often described as welcoming and supportive. Its smaller size contributes to a strong sense of belonging. Point Loma Nazarene University, located in a larger city, offers a more diverse and outward-facing campus culture. Students at PLNU often take advantage of the opportunities available in San Diego, including internships, cultural events, and outdoor activities. Both universities emphasize spiritual development and service learning, but their expressions of faith may differ slightly due to their denominational affiliations.
Which university has better location advantages: George Fox University or Point Loma Nazarene University?

The 'better' location depends on your preferences. George Fox University's location in Newberg, Oregon, provides a quieter, more rural setting with easy access to the outdoor recreation opportunities of the Pacific Northwest and the cultural amenities of Portland. Point Loma Nazarene University's location in San Diego, California, offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle, access to a major metropolitan area, and a warmer climate. Consider which environment best suits your personality and academic interests.
How do the admissions requirements compare between George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University?

Both George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University have selective admissions processes. They typically require a strong academic record, including a competitive GPA and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply, so check their websites). They also consider factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. While the specific requirements may vary slightly, both universities seek well-rounded students who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to their values.
What kind of student would thrive at George Fox University versus Point Loma Nazarene University?

A student who thrives at George Fox University is typically someone who values a close-knit community, a strong emphasis on faith integration, and a supportive learning environment. They appreciate a smaller town setting and enjoy outdoor activities. A student who thrives at Point Loma Nazarene University is often someone who enjoys a vibrant city environment, a diverse student body, and access to a wide range of cultural and professional opportunities. They appreciate a coastal lifestyle and are drawn to a more outward-facing campus culture.
Do George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University offer similar student support services?

Yes, both George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University offer comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, disability services, health services, and counseling services. They are committed to providing resources to help students succeed academically, personally, and spiritually. The specific services and programs may vary slightly, but both universities prioritize student well-being and success.
What are the religious affiliations of George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University, and how does that impact campus life?

George Fox University is affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, while Point Loma Nazarene University is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. This affiliation influences campus life through chapel services, faith-based student organizations, and the integration of faith into the curriculum. While both universities welcome students from all faith backgrounds, their religious affiliations shape the overall spiritual atmosphere and values of the institutions. The specific expressions of faith and worship may differ slightly based on their respective denominational traditions.
How do the athletic programs compare at George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University?

Both George Fox University and Point Loma Nazarene University offer a variety of intercollegiate athletic programs. George Fox University competes in NCAA Division III, while Point Loma Nazarene University competes in NCAA Division II. PLNU generally has a larger athletic program with more sports offerings. If you are a serious athlete, research the specific sports programs at each university to determine which one best aligns with your athletic goals and abilities.

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