University of San Diego vs Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)

Nestled in the vibrant city of San Diego, University of San Diego (USD) and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) stand as two distinct beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they offer unique experiences that cater to diverse aspirations. USD boasts a higher acceptance rate, attracting a larger and more diverse student body, while PLNU's rigorous admissions process results in a smaller, close-knit community. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Point Loma Nazarene University	University of San Diego
Overview
Location	San Diego, California	San Diego, California
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Evangelical	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.7%	52.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $45
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	14,326
Total number of admissions given out	2,560	7,550
Admitted students who chose to enroll	662	1,166
Yield rate	25.9%	15.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$62,642	$75,982
Average net price	$34,851	$34,155
Tuition	$38,800	$52,120
Room & board	$11,300	$16,246
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $18,365	82.0% Average amount $34,413
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,325	33.0% Average amount $5,216
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $22,040	5.0% Average amount $12,155

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,174 Men 34.3% Women 65.7%	5,702 Men 43.9% Women 56.1%
Graduate students	1,271 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%	3,339 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	26.3%	45.5%
International students	1.1%	6.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,845	2,484
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	California Washington Colorado Arizona Nevada

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Legal Profession Business Education Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.7%	80.0%
Dropout rate	3.8%	19.5%
Transferred out	22.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $114,672 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $115,744 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,123 Year 2: $89,672 Year 3: $102,690 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,786 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $98,598 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,329 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $93,985 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,367 Year 2: $73,391 Year 3: $92,346 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,417 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $84,924 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,970 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $84,277 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,809 Year 2: $61,962 Year 3: $75,083 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,424 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $72,729 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,434 Year 2: $61,069 Year 3: $72,310

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between the University of San Diego (USD) and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)?

USD is a private, Catholic university known for its strong business, law, and international relations programs. It offers a broader range of graduate programs and has a larger student body. PLNU, also private, is a Christian university with a focus on liberal arts and pre-professional programs, emphasizing a close-knit community and faith integration in academics. PLNU is generally smaller and has a more pronounced Christian emphasis in its campus culture.
How do the academic reputations of USD and PLNU compare?

USD generally has a higher national ranking and is recognized for its strong business school and law school. PLNU is well-regarded for its undergraduate programs, particularly in nursing, education, and ministry. Both institutions offer quality education, but USD's larger size and broader program offerings contribute to its higher overall ranking.
What is the campus environment like at USD versus PLNU?

USD's campus is known for its beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture and vibrant student life, with a wide array of clubs, organizations, and social events. PLNU offers a more intimate and community-focused environment, with a strong emphasis on Christian values and service. PLNU's location on the Point Loma cliffs provides stunning ocean views, contributing to a unique and serene atmosphere.
How do the costs of attending USD and PLNU compare?

Both USD and PLNU are private universities, and their tuition costs are relatively high. Generally, USD's tuition is slightly higher than PLNU's. However, the actual cost can vary depending on financial aid and scholarships. It's best to check each university's financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and to use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost.
What types of students typically thrive at USD versus PLNU?

USD is a good fit for students seeking a larger university experience with diverse academic programs and a strong emphasis on professional development. Students who are independent, ambitious, and interested in a global perspective often thrive at USD. PLNU is well-suited for students who value a close-knit Christian community, personalized attention from faculty, and a strong integration of faith and learning. Students who are service-oriented and appreciate a smaller, more intimate campus environment often find PLNU to be a good fit.
What are the key differences in student life and extracurricular activities at USD and PLNU?

USD offers a wider range of clubs, organizations, and Greek life opportunities due to its larger student body. It also has a more active social scene. PLNU's student life is centered around Christian values, with many opportunities for service, ministry, and spiritual growth. While both offer extracurricular activities, PLNU's are often more focused on faith-based initiatives and community involvement.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

USD is located in the Linda Vista neighborhood of San Diego, providing easy access to downtown San Diego, beaches, and other attractions. PLNU is situated on the Point Loma peninsula, offering breathtaking ocean views and a more secluded, peaceful environment. While both are in San Diego, PLNU's location provides a more distinct and tranquil setting compared to USD's more urban surroundings.
What are the strengths of USD's and PLNU's career services and alumni networks?

USD has a strong career services center that provides students with resources for internships, job placement, and career counseling. Its alumni network is extensive and well-connected, particularly in the business and legal fields. PLNU's career services focus on helping students connect their faith and values to their career goals. Its alumni network is strong within the Christian community and in fields such as education and ministry. Both universities offer valuable career support, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Do USD and PLNU have different religious affiliations, and how does that affect campus life?

USD is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, and while its Catholic identity is present, the university welcomes students of all faiths. PLNU is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, and its Christian identity is more pronounced, with required chapel attendance and a strong emphasis on Christian values in all aspects of campus life. This difference in religious affiliation significantly shapes the campus culture and student experience.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered at USD that are not available at PLNU, and vice versa?

USD offers a School of Law and a Kroc School of Peace Studies, which are not available at PLNU. USD also has a more extensive range of graduate programs. PLNU, on the other hand, offers unique programs related to ministry, Christian studies, and global missions, reflecting its strong Christian focus. PLNU's location also provides unique opportunities for marine biology studies.

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