Academic Comparison between San Diego State and PLNU

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

  • San Diego State 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 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

San Diego State Universityvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
53%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
36.19 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
76 %Graduation Rate77 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
91 %Retention Rate86 %
41,137Student Population4,757
1,012Number of Faculties162
27 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services