Academic Comparison between PLNU and Cal Poly

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

  • PLNU is a private (not-for-profit) and Cal Poly is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLNU has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,250) than Cal Poly ($33,230).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than PLNU.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 23,069 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 931 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Point Loma Nazarene Universityvs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$46,2502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
85%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$19,348Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,264
83.68 %Acceptance Rates31.32 %
21.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.61 %
1,260SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
77 %Graduation Rate86 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
86 %Retention Rate96 %
4,757Student Population23,069
162Number of Faculties931
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare