Academic Comparison between Fresno State and PLNU

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

  • Fresno 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 ($43,550) than Fresno State ($18,860).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 23,999 students while PLNU has 4,319 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 796 faculties while PLNU has 149 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Fresnovs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Fresno, 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$6,980
Out-Of-State$18,860
2024 Tuition & Fees$43,550
78%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$9,430Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,826
96.00 %Acceptance Rates81.99 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)25.98 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score27
56 %Graduation Rate75 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
76 %Retention Rate85 %
23,999Student Population4,319
796Number of Faculties149
21 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