Academic Comparison between Humboldt State and PLNU

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

  • Humboldt 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 Humboldt State ($20,997).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Humboldt State.
  • Humboldt State has more students with 6,237 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Humboldt State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Humboldt State has more full-time faculties with 271 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldtvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Arcata, 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$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
65%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$10,739Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
98.20 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
5.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
49 %Graduation Rate77 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
76 %Retention Rate86 %
6,237Student Population4,757
271Number of Faculties162
16 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