Academic Comparison between Fresno State and PLNU

California State University-San Marcos 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 San Marcos, 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 ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to PLNU than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 15,109 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 23 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 392 faculties while PLNU has 149 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
San Marcos, 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$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees$43,550
65%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,826
96.00 %Acceptance Rates81.99 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)25.98 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score27
56 %Graduation Rate75 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
72 %Retention Rate85 %
15,109Student Population4,319
392Number of Faculties149
23 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