Academic Comparison between San Francisco State and PLNU

San Francisco State University and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Francisco State is a four-year, public school located in San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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 Francisco State ($20,446).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than San Francisco State.
  • San Francisco State has more students with 22,563 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while San Francisco State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • San Francisco State has more full-time faculties with 797 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Francisco State Universityvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
San Francisco, 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$7,846
Out-Of-State$20,446
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
63%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$12,110Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
96.44 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
8.60 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
50 %Graduation Rate77 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
83 %Retention Rate86 %
22,563Student Population4,757
797Number of Faculties162
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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