Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Point Loma Nazarene University
Perched on a coastal bluff where the Pacific frames the walk to class, Point Loma Nazarene University blends liberal arts breadth with hands-on learning. It's known for strengths across the sciences, health, business, education, and the humanities and arts, and for close faculty mentorship. Students find labs and studios, a bright library, a chapel that shapes campus rhythms, plus tutoring, advising, counseling, and a career center.
Life here moves between surf, study, and service. Intramurals, outdoor trips, the arts, and regular community gatherings keep things lively, and the culture leans friendly, faith-informed, and purpose minded. Career prep taps San Diego's mix of industries for internships with hospitals, schools, coastal nonprofits, and growing companies. And those cliffside sunsets feel like a tradition, along with beach bonfires and volunteering that tie campus to the neighborhood.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) offers 59 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,238 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (6 programs, 255 graduates), Health (6 programs, 218 graduates), Education (8 programs, 202 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 110 graduates) and Kinesiology (1 programs, 74 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (6 programs, 255 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 147 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Organizational Leadership | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0213 |
| Marketing Management | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Accounting | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Finance, General | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Management Information Systems | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
Health (6 programs, 218 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 116 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0999 |
| Physician Assistant | 28 |
|
Master's
|
51.0912 |
| Athletic Training | 13 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
| Dietetics | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3101 |
| Nursing Practice | 5 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
Education (8 programs, 202 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 126 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Elementary Education | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Special Education Teaching | 10 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 8 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 3 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
| Higher Education Administration | 2 |
|
Master's
|
13.0406 |
| Art Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1302 |
| Music Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
Psychology (2 programs, 110 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 57 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Clinical Psychology | 53 |
|
Master's
|
42.2801 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 74 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 74 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31.0505 |
Human Sciences (2 programs, 68 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development | 65 |
|
Bachelor's
|
19.0706 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
19.0501 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 57 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Communication (5 programs, 47 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
| Organizational Communication | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0901 |
| Journalism | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0499 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0100 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 33 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0103 |
| Computer Science | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
Arts (5 programs, 32 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Music Technology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0913 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0101 |
| Music | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0904 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)
How much does it cost to attend Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)?
The annual tuition at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is $43,550 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $60,868 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,850 (on) / $20,232 (off) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Point Loma Nazarene University offer?
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) offers 59 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (8 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Point Loma Nazarene University?
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) has an 81.8% acceptance rate and a 26.2% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 3,065
- Students admitted: 2,506
- Students enrolled: 657
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $20,277 and average loans of $7,943.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,830
- State/Local grants: $8,541
- Institutional grants: $17,782
- Federal loans: $5,346
The university supports 644 students with grants and 386 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Point Loma Nazarene University graduates?
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) graduates earn a median salary of $54,811 after 6 years and $63,998 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $37,877 (25th percentile) to $93,468 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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