Academic Comparison between San Diego State and PLNU

San Diego State University and Point Loma Nazarene University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, 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 Diego 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 San Diego State ($20,170).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than PLNU.
  • San Diego State has more students with 37,402 students while PLNU has 4,319 students.
  • PLNU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 954 faculties while PLNU has 149 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, 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$8,290
Out-Of-State$20,170
2024 Tuition & Fees$43,550
61%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$8,114Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,826
34.00 %Acceptance Rates81.99 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)25.98 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score27
78 %Graduation Rate75 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
89 %Retention Rate85 %
37,402Student Population4,319
954Number of Faculties149
25 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