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.

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.

  • Cal State LA 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 Cal State LA ($19,764).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Cal State LA.
  • Cal State LA has more students with 23,163 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Cal State LA's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • Cal State LA has more full-time faculties with 680 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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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