Academic Comparison between PLNU and Fresno State

Point Loma Nazarene University and California State University-San Marcos 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 Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, 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 Fresno State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLNU has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,250) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 416 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Point Loma Nazarene Universityvs.California State University-San Marcos
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$46,2502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
85%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$19,348Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,025
83.68 %Acceptance Rates95.10 %
21.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.99 %
1,260SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
77 %Graduation Rate55 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate4 %
86 %Retention Rate79 %
4,757Student Population16,237
162Number of Faculties416
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare