Academic Comparison between PLNU and USC

Point Loma Nazarene University and University of Southern California are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) and located in California

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($71,647) than PLNU ($46,250).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than PLNU.
  • USC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than PLNU (1,260).
  • USC has higher submitted ACT score (28) than PLNU (28).
  • USC has more students with 46,566 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while PLNU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Point Loma Nazarene Universityvs.University of Southern California
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationLos Angeles, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$46,2502025 Tuition & Fees$71,647
85%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$19,348Average Amount of Financial Aid$48,649
83.68 %Acceptance Rates9.81 %
21.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)43.34 %
1,260SAT Score1,500
28ACT Score33
77 %Graduation Rate92 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate96 %
4,757Student Population46,566
162Number of Faculties2,442
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare