Academic Comparison between PLNU and San Diego State

Point Loma Nazarene University and San Diego State University 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 San Diego State is a four-year, public 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.

  • PLNU is a private (not-for-profit) and San Diego State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PLNU has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,250) than San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than PLNU.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Point Loma Nazarene Universityvs.San Diego State University
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, 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 ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$46,2502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
85%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$19,348Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,851
83.68 %Acceptance Rates36.19 %
21.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.36 %
1,260SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
77 %Graduation Rate76 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
86 %Retention Rate91 %
4,757Student Population41,137
162Number of Faculties1,012
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio27 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