Westmont College vs Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)

Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University, both located in sunny California, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Westmont, a private Christian liberal arts college, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 44%, while Point Loma, a private Christian university, offers a more accessible admissions process with an acceptance rate of 75%. In terms of student body demographics, Westmont's student body is predominantly White (69%) and female (59%), while Point Loma's student body is more diverse, with a larger Hispanic population (23%) and a more balanced gender ratio (52% female, 48% male). Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Westmont including Psychology, Biology, and Business Administration, and popular majors at Point Loma including Business Administration, Nursing, and Psychology. With graduation rates of 84% and 79% respectively, both colleges ensure that their students are well

	Point Loma Nazarene University	Westmont College
Overview
Location	San Diego, California	Santa Barbara, California
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Midsize
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
Students retention rate	84.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.7%	79.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1170 - 1350	1160 - 1460
ACT range	22 - 30	26 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	15.0%	18.0%
Students submitting ACT score	10.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	3,060	2,344
Total number of admissions given out	2,560	1,851
Admitted students who chose to enroll	662	333
Yield rate	25.9%	18.0%
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	$61,110
Average net price	$34,851	$33,554
Tuition	$38,800	$47,450
Room & board	$11,300	Room/dormitory: $9,400 Meal plan: $5,970
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $18,365	99.0% Average amount $32,308
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,325	50.0% Average amount $5,052
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $22,040	25.0% Average amount $4,810

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,174 Men 34.3% Women 65.7%	1,238 Men 39.5% Women 60.5%
Graduate students	1,271 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	26.3%	31.1%
International students	1.1%	1.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,845	1,207
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 Oregon Colorado Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Visual & Performing Arts Social Sciences Physical Science Philosophy and Religious Studies
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	10:1
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%	73.4%
Dropout rate	3.8%	26.6%
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	Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,792 Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $66,978 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,638 Year 2: $40,402 Year 3: $40,054 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,114 Year 2: $24,808 Year 3: $34,035 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,823 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: N/A Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,883 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,121 Year 2: $22,192 Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,369 Year 2: $25,596 Year 3: N/A Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)?

Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) are both Christian liberal arts colleges in Southern California, but they differ in several key aspects. Westmont is interdenominational, attracting students from various Christian backgrounds, while PLNU is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. PLNU is located in San Diego, offering a more urban setting with direct access to the city, while Westmont is in Santa Barbara, providing a more traditional college town experience. PLNU generally has a larger student body than Westmont. Academically, both offer strong liberal arts programs, but their specific program strengths and emphases may vary. Finally, while both emphasize faith integration, the specific expressions and requirements related to faith may differ.
How do the campus locations of Westmont and PLNU compare?

Westmont College is situated in Montecito, a suburb of Santa Barbara, California. This location offers a more secluded and traditional college town atmosphere, surrounded by natural beauty and close to beaches. Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is located in San Diego, California, offering a more urban environment with easy access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and a wider range of internship and job opportunities. PLNU's campus also boasts stunning ocean views.
What is the religious affiliation of each college, and how does it impact campus life?

Westmont College is an interdenominational Christian college, welcoming students from various Christian denominations and backgrounds. This creates a diverse Christian community with a broad range of perspectives. Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. This affiliation influences campus life through chapel services, required religion courses, and a commitment to Nazarene values. While both colleges integrate faith into academics and campus life, PLNU's Nazarene affiliation provides a more specific denominational focus.
How do the academic programs and strengths differ between Westmont and PLNU?

Both Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) offer strong liberal arts programs. Westmont is known for its strong humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences programs. PLNU also has strong programs in these areas, and is particularly known for its nursing, business, and education programs. Prospective students should research specific departments and faculty at each institution to determine which aligns best with their academic interests.
What is the student body size and overall campus culture like at each college?

Westmont College has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community where students often develop strong relationships with faculty and peers. Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) has a larger student body, offering a wider range of social opportunities and a more diverse student population. Both colleges emphasize a supportive and Christ-centered campus culture, but the specific feel and social dynamics may differ due to the size difference.
What are the costs of attending Westmont versus PLNU, and what financial aid options are available?

The cost of attendance at both Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is significant, as is typical of private liberal arts colleges. Tuition, fees, and room and board should be carefully considered. Both institutions offer various financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and student loans. It's crucial to visit each college's financial aid website and contact their financial aid offices to understand the specific costs and aid packages available to you based on your individual circumstances. Comparing the net cost (cost after financial aid) is essential.
What opportunities are available for students interested in studying abroad at Westmont and PLNU?

Both Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) offer a variety of study abroad programs. Westmont has its own programs in locations like England and Jerusalem, as well as partnerships with other programs around the world. PLNU also offers a range of study abroad options, including semester-long programs and shorter travel courses. Students interested in studying abroad should explore the specific programs offered by each college and consider which best aligns with their academic and personal interests.
How do Westmont and PLNU approach faith integration in their curriculum and campus life?

Both Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) are committed to integrating faith into all aspects of the college experience. At Westmont, this is reflected in the curriculum through courses that explore the intersection of faith and various disciplines, as well as through chapel services, ministry opportunities, and a focus on Christian values. PLNU, as a Nazarene institution, integrates faith through required religion courses, chapel attendance, and a commitment to the values and traditions of the Church of the Nazarene. While both emphasize faith integration, the specific expressions and requirements may differ based on their respective affiliations.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Westmont and PLNU?

Both Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) provide career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services typically include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. PLNU's location in San Diego may offer a wider range of internship opportunities in certain fields, while Westmont's location near Santa Barbara provides access to opportunities in that region. Students should research the specific career services and internship connections available in their fields of interest at each institution.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for Westmont and PLNU?

Admission requirements for both Westmont College and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), essays, and letters of recommendation. Acceptance rates can vary from year to year, so it's important to check the most recent data on each college's website. Generally, both colleges are considered selective, so applicants should present a strong application that highlights their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.