Academic Comparison between UCSD and PLNU

University of California-San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UCSD is a four-year, public school located in La Jolla, 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

University of California-San Diegovs.Point Loma Nazarene University
La Jolla, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$15,788
Out-Of-State$47,676
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
59%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$23,806Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
26.71 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
20.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
86 %Graduation Rate77 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
94 %Retention Rate86 %
44,256Student Population4,757
3,101Number of Faculties162
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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