Academic Comparison between CSUN and PLNU

California State University-Northridge and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CSUN is a four-year, public school located in Northridge, 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.

  • CSUN 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 CSUN ($20,058).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than CSUN.
  • CSUN has more students with 38,313 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • CSUN has more full-time faculties with 918 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Northridgevs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Northridge, 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$7,458
Out-Of-State$20,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
73%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$11,843Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
93.45 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
17.97 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
57 %Graduation Rate77 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
73 %Retention Rate86 %
38,313Student Population4,757
918Number of Faculties162
25 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