Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 83.7%, an average net price of $40,555, and an overall rank of #752 (Grade B). About 77.1% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $73,681 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private nonprofit university in San Diego, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.5% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 43.1%, roughly 6.8 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Point Loma Nazarene University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77.1% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 78.2% and keeps 85.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Point Loma Nazarene University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $24,395 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $48,450 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,090 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,670 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,538 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $64,950 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.8% of Point Loma Nazarene University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $34,042 to $45,177 depending on family income. Use Point Loma Nazarene University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $34,180/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $45,177/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $73,681
- 10-Year Median Earnings $68,713
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $21,895
- Debt-to-Earnings ~29.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.4%
- Employment Rate 93.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Point Loma Nazarene University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Point Loma Nazarene University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Point Loma Nazarene University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Point Loma Nazarene University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Point Loma Nazarene University graduates earn $73,681 median, the 43.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 610-695
- SAT Math 565-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,188
- Full-Time Students 86.5%
- Part-Time Students 13.5%
- Retention Rate 85.5%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 77.1%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 78.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Point Loma Nazarene University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Point Loma Nazarene University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 83.7%, Point Loma Nazarene University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 83.7% acceptance rate, Point Loma Nazarene University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1175 and 1365 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Point Loma Nazarene University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.4%
- Psychology, General 7.5%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 6.6%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 5.1%
- Biology, General 4.8%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.6%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $112,510
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $112,158
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $96,406
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Engineering Physics $85,915
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $77,054
- 6. Biology, General $71,412
- 7. Design and Applied Arts $69,410
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $65,657
- 9. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $64,520
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $60,044
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $146,630
- 2. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $96,348
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $93,500
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $84,128
- 5. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $67,418
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $112,510—87% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($60,044). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $146,630 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Point Loma Nazarene University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 62 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 44 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (37 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Political Science and Government
- International/Globalization Studies
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Social Work
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Engineering, General
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Journalism
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Data Science
- Physics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,188
- Full-Time Students 86.5%
- Part-Time Students 13.5%
- Male Students 34.8%
- Female Students 65.1%
- Caucasian 51.6%
- Asian 6.7%
- Hispanic 27.0%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Point Loma Nazarene University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Point Loma Nazarene University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Point Loma Nazarene University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Point Loma Nazarene University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 65.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Point Loma Nazarene University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Point Loma Nazarene University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Point Loma Nazarene University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 43.1% ROI. Ranked #752 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $40,555 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $73,681 median earnings. With 77.1% graduating within 150% of normal time and 85.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Point Loma Nazarene University's Positioning
With a B grade and #752 ranking, Point Loma Nazarene University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $40,555 annually, Point Loma Nazarene University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.5% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $28,388 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 43.1% ROI and $73,681 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $30,555+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Point Loma Nazarene University ranks #752 of 1955 institutions, with 1517 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 77.1% graduation rate sits 14.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.5% first-year retention is 8.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 43.1% return on investment is 6.8 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $73,681 run about 20% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $40,555 is roughly $20,674 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years sits 25.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $40,555 is about $20,674 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.8% trails the national share by 12.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- 49.1% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private nonprofit university based in San Diego, CA and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #752 among 1955 schools Completion earns A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 85.5% of first-year students return; 77.1% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 78.2%. The reported ROI is 43.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $40,555 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $64,950.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,395 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,895 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $73,681 five years after graduation. This is roughly 20% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 93.3%.
The ROI comes in near 43.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
83.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Point Loma Nazarene University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Point Loma Nazarene University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/point-loma-nazarene-university/
MLA (9th): “Point Loma Nazarene University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/point-loma-nazarene-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Point Loma Nazarene University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/point-loma-nazarene-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Point Loma Nazarene University's acceptance rate?
Point Loma Nazarene University's acceptance rate is 83.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Point Loma Nazarene University cost?
At Point Loma Nazarene University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $40,555 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $64,950 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $48,450. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Point Loma Nazarene University's ranking?
Point Loma Nazarene University ranks #752 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Point Loma Nazarene University's graduation rate?
At Point Loma Nazarene University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 77.1% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 78.2%, and first-year retention is 85.5%.
What are Point Loma Nazarene University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Point Loma Nazarene University report median earnings of $73,681 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Point Loma Nazarene University's student population?
Point Loma Nazarene University enrolls about 3,188 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, CA 92106-2899
- Website www.pointloma.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$68.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate18.5%