Academic Comparison between MiraCosta and PLNU

MiraCosta College and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MiraCosta is a four-year, public school located in Oceanside, 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.

  • MiraCosta 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 MiraCosta ($9,750).
  • MiraCosta has more students with 11,478 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while MiraCosta's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • PLNU has more full-time faculties with 162 faculties while MiraCosta has 159 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

MiraCosta Collegevs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Oceanside, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Associate's - Private For-profit 4-year Primarily Associate'sCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$1,158
Out-Of-State$9,750
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
56%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$4,096Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
-Acceptance Rates83.68 %
-Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
41 %Graduation Rate77 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
91 %Retention Rate86 %
11,478Student Population4,757
159Number of Faculties162
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services