Academic Comparison between UC Riverside and PLNU

University of California-Riverside and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UC Riverside is a four-year, public school located in Riverside, 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.

  • UC Riverside is a public and PLNU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • UC Riverside has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,524) than PLNU ($46,250).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Riverside than PLNU.
  • UC Riverside has more students with 26,384 students while PLNU has 4,757 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while UC Riverside's ratio is 22 to 1.
  • UC Riverside has more full-time faculties with 1,028 faculties while PLNU has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Riversidevs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Riverside, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$14,636
Out-Of-State$46,524
2025 Tuition & Fees$46,250
74%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$21,726Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,348
76.39 %Acceptance Rates83.68 %
12.23 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.41 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
76 %Graduation Rate77 %
9 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
88 %Retention Rate86 %
26,384Student Population4,757
1,028Number of Faculties162
22 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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