Academic Comparison between Chico State and PLNU

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

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Chico State is a public and PLNU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLNU has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,250) than Chico State ($21,072).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Chico State.
  • Chico State has more students with 15,257 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Chico State's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • Chico State has more full-time faculties with 493 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Chicovs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Chico, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,472
Out-Of-State$21,072
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
63%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$11,291Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
92.72 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
10.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
63 %Graduation Rate77 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
82 %Retention Rate86 %
15,257Student Population4,757
493Number of Faculties162
23 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