Academic Comparison between Cal State LA and PLNU

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

  • Cal State LA 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 Cal State LA ($18,698).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Cal State LA.
  • Cal State LA has more students with 26,460 students while PLNU has 4,319 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Cal State LA's ratio is 22 to 1.
  • Cal State LA has more full-time faculties with 696 faculties while PLNU has 149 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Los Angelesvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$6,818
Out-Of-State$18,698
2024 Tuition & Fees$43,550
85%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$10,096Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,826
91.93 %Acceptance Rates81.76 %
12.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.22 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score27
51 %Graduation Rate75 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
73 %Retention Rate85 %
26,460Student Population4,319
696Number of Faculties149
22 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