Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) vs Shenandoah U
Point Loma Nazarene University and Shenandoah University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Point Loma Nazarene University, located in San Diego, California, boasts a higher acceptance rate (84%) compared to Shenandoah University's 75% in Winchester, Virginia. While both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Point Loma Nazarene University is known for its strengths in nursing, business, and psychology, while Shenandoah University excels in health professions, music, and business. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions between these two universities, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional program offerings, to determine which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Point Loma Nazarene University |
![]() Shenandoah University |
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Overview |
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Location | San Diego, California | Winchester, Virginia |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Small |
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 | 84.0% | 76.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Evangelical | Methodism |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.7% | 74.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$55
Graduate:
$50
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Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$30
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SAT range | 1170 - 1350 | N/A |
ACT range | 22 - 30 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 15.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 10.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 3,060 | 2,616 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,560 | 1,945 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 662 | 509 |
Yield rate | 25.9% | 26.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $62,642 | $49,610 |
Average net price | $34,851 | $29,077 |
Tuition | $38,800 | $33,140 |
Room & board | $11,300 | $11,020 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $18,365 |
100.0%
Average amount $19,733 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
45.0%
Average amount $5,325 |
94.0%
Average amount $5,736 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $22,040 |
15.0%
Average amount $19,715 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,174
Men 34.3% Women 65.7% |
2,416
Men 38.2% Women 61.8% |
Graduate students |
1,271
Men 29.2% Women 70.8% |
1,871
Men 22.3% Women 77.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 26.3% | 47.2% |
International students | 1.1% | 1.2% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 1,845 | 1,185 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | California Washington Colorado Arizona Hawaii | Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania West Virginia North Carolina |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 11:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.7% | 64.0% |
Dropout rate | 3.8% | 18.4% |
Transferred out | 22.9% | 17.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business/Corporate Communications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
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