Academic Comparison between Cal State LA and PLNU

California State University-Los Angeles and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Cal State LA is a four-year, public school located in Los Angeles, CA and PLNU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in San Diego, CA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Los Angelesvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,164
Out-Of-State$19,764
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
85%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$12,761Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
91.25 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
9.42 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
53 %Graduation Rate77 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
72 %Retention Rate86 %
23,163Student Population4,757
680Number of Faculties162
21 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services