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Point Loma Nazarene University: Point Loma Nazarene's Golden Gym
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Christian college

#3 Best Christian colleges for education in California

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Church of the Nazarene · Church of the Nazarene

Real cost

Average price after aid $38,729 a year

Median debt at graduation: $22,990 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

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Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts university in San Diego, affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Its chapel meets four times a week and chapel attendance is required for undergraduates, and three religion courses are part of general education.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Point Loma Nazarene University

  1. MonToday

    • 9:45AMChapel

  2. TueToday

    No set time

  3. WedToday

    • 9:45AMChapel

  4. ThuToday

    • 9:00PMChapel

  5. FriToday

    • 9:45AMChapel

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Tue, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “At PLNU, faith and learning are not separate pursuits.”

    Source: pointloma.edu

  • “Alpha Groups provide an opportunity to build unique and lasting community by meeting together regularly to share faith journeys.”

    Source: pointloma.edu

  • “For more than three decades, PLNU students have served alongside churches and ministries around the world through LoveWorks.”

    Source: pointloma.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel is required for all undergraduate students, and the community living agreement describes three services a week.

Source: pointloma.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel gatherings meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:45 a.m., and on Thursday evenings at 9 p.m.

Source: pointloma.edu
Where do I find community?

Alpha Groups meet regularly to share faith journeys, and Discipleship Groups are designed for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Source: pointloma.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Volunteer groups serve throughout San Diego, and for more than three decades PLNU students have served alongside churches around the world through LoveWorks.

Source: pointloma.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 33 more

In California

Show 3 more

Academic Excellence

A-Academic Excellence: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
81 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.86%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,287 · ACT 28.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.13 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,365

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

AWorship and chapel: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

91 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
      Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Mandatory chapel attendance; the community living agreement says three services a week.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “as such, is required for all undergraduate students.”
      Chapel attendance is required for all undergraduate students.
    2. Community Living Agreement | PLNUpointloma.edu/sites/default/files/PLNU_Community_Living_Agreement_IF.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “mandatory attendance of chapel services held three”
      The community living agreement requires mandatory attendance at chapel services.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. PLNU Chapel: A Chance to Connect With God and Others | PLNUpointloma.edu/resources/undergraduate-studies/plnu-chapel-chance-connect-god-others · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is put on by Student Life and Formation and spearheaded by Esteban Trujillo, university chaplain and director of chapel programming.”
      The university chaplain leads chapel programming within Student Life and Formation.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
      Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (4 weekly times documented: 4 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Per the community living agreement, three religion courses are required in general education: BIB 1001 (Old Testament), BIB 1002 (New Testament) and one more.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Community Living Agreement | PLNUpointloma.edu/sites/default/files/PLNU_Community_Living_Agreement_IF.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “complete three religion courses as part of the overall general”
      Students must complete three religion courses as part of general education.
    2. BIB 1001 Old Testament History and Religion syllabus (Spring 2024)assessment.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BIB_1001_1_Old_Testament_History_and_Religion.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This course is one of the components of the General Education Program at Point Loma Nazarene University, under the category of “Responding to the Sacred.””
      BIB 1001 (Old Testament) is a General Education course in the 'Responding to the Sacred' category.
    3. BIB 1002 New Testament History and Religion syllabus (2025)assessment.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BIB_1002-7_New_Testament_History_and_Religion.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GELO 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of Christian Scripture, Tradition, and Ethics,”
      BIB 1002 (New Testament) is part of the General Education Learning Outcomes on Christian Scripture.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (BIB 1001 and BIB 1002 are both listed as General Education courses in the syllabi. Whether every undergraduate takes both is taken from the general education structure in the syllabi and the living agreement.)
    Sources (2)
    1. BIB 1001 Old Testament History and Religion syllabus (Spring 2024)assessment.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BIB_1001_1_Old_Testament_History_and_Religion.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This course is one of the components of the General Education Program at Point Loma Nazarene University, under the category of “Responding to the Sacred.””
      BIB 1001 (Old Testament) is a General Education course in the 'Responding to the Sacred' category.
    2. BIB 1002 New Testament History and Religion syllabus (2025)assessment.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BIB_1002-7_New_Testament_History_and_Religion.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GELO 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of Christian Scripture, Tradition, and Ethics,”
      BIB 1002 (New Testament) is part of the General Education Learning Outcomes on Christian Scripture.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At PLNU, faith and learning are not separate pursuits. Across every discipline, students are invited to explore how their field of study connects to deeper questions of purpose, calling, and service.”
      Faith integration across the curriculum is stated as a university commitment.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Christian Studies, B.A., with concentrations (biblical studies, theology, general and others).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Studies, B.A. | PLNUpointloma.edu/undergraduate/programs/christian-studies-ba · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies will allow you to blend your zeal for Jesus with your desire for meaningful ministry and service.”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes (The About page calls this section its statement of faith.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Mission | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/mission-vision-core-values/our-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We join Christians everywhere in our proclamation of the lordship of Jesus Christ and our commitment to the core tenets of the historic Christian faith, especially as expressed in the early creeds of the Church.”
      The university publishes its doctrinal commitments (the statement of faith, linked from the About page).
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

77 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (Named staff: university chaplain Esteban Trujillo, Director of Discipleship Ministries Melanie Wolf, Director of Worship Ministries George Williamson. Chapel is led by campus pastors (plural).)
    Sources (3)
    1. PLNU Chapel: A Chance to Connect With God and Others | PLNUpointloma.edu/resources/undergraduate-studies/plnu-chapel-chance-connect-god-others · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is put on by Student Life and Formation and spearheaded by Esteban Trujillo, university chaplain and director of chapel programming.”
      The university chaplain leads chapel programming within Student Life and Formation.
    2. Community | PLNUpointloma.edu/community · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “—Melanie Wolf, Director of Discipleship Ministries”
      Melanie Wolf is Director of Discipleship Ministries.
    3. Worship Arts | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/worship-arts · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “George Williamson, director of Worship Ministries, leads worship.”
      George Williamson is director of Worship Ministries.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Off-campus women's and men's retreats are offered. Number per year not stated.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community | PLNUpointloma.edu/community · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “You can dive deeper in your faith through off-campus women's and men's retreats or discipleship groups”
      Women's and men's retreats are offered off campus.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Growth | PLNUpointloma.edu/undergraduate/life-loma/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Alpha Groups provide an opportunity to build unique and lasting community by meeting together regularly to share faith journeys.”
      Alpha Groups for first-semester freshmen meet regularly.
      “Discipleship Groups (D-Groups) are designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offering rich small group conversation and spiritual formation activities.”
      Discipleship Groups meet for sophomores, juniors and seniors.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Life and Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Student Life and Formation Supports Your Faith Journey”
      Student Life and Formation is the university office for spiritual life, with chapel, discipleship, worship arts, community and missions ministries.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

73 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Ministries | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/community-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “volunteer groups serve in various locations throughout San Diego”
      Community ministry volunteer groups serve locally in San Diego.
    2. Student Life and Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Student Life and Formation Supports Your Faith Journey”
      Student Life and Formation is the university office for spiritual life, with chapel, discipleship, worship arts, community and missions ministries.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Mission trips are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For more than three decades, PLNU students have served alongside churches and ministries around the world through LoveWorks.”
      LoveWorks sends students on mission trips alongside churches and ministries worldwide.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Ministries | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/community-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “volunteer groups serve in various locations throughout San Diego”
      Community ministry volunteer groups serve locally in San Diego.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (LoveWorks international trips and Ministry with México.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For more than three decades, PLNU students have served alongside churches and ministries around the world through LoveWorks.”
      LoveWorks sends students on mission trips alongside churches and ministries worldwide.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “PLNU exists to provide higher education in a vital Christian community where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith.”
      The university's mission states that service is an expression of faith.

Strengths

  • Chapel meets four times a week, and attendance is required for undergraduates.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
      Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.
      “as such, is required for all undergraduate students.”
      Chapel attendance is required for all undergraduate students.
  • Three religion courses are part of general education, and the syllabi show Old and New Testament courses in that category.
    Sources (3)
    1. Community Living Agreement | PLNUpointloma.edu/sites/default/files/PLNU_Community_Living_Agreement_IF.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “complete three religion courses as part of the overall general”
      Students must complete three religion courses as part of general education.
    2. BIB 1001 Old Testament History and Religion syllabus (Spring 2024)assessment.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BIB_1001_1_Old_Testament_History_and_Religion.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This course is one of the components of the General Education Program at Point Loma Nazarene University, under the category of “Responding to the Sacred.””
      BIB 1001 (Old Testament) is a General Education course in the 'Responding to the Sacred' category.
    3. BIB 1002 New Testament History and Religion syllabus (2025)assessment.pointloma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BIB_1002-7_New_Testament_History_and_Religion.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GELO 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of Christian Scripture, Tradition, and Ethics,”
      BIB 1002 (New Testament) is part of the General Education Learning Outcomes on Christian Scripture.
  • The university states that faith and learning are integrated across every discipline.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At PLNU, faith and learning are not separate pursuits. Across every discipline, students are invited to explore how their field of study connects to deeper questions of purpose, calling, and service.”
      Faith integration across the curriculum is stated as a university commitment.
  • Mission trips and community ministries are offered through LoveWorks, Ministry with México and Community Ministries.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/about/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For more than three decades, PLNU students have served alongside churches and ministries around the world through LoveWorks.”
      LoveWorks sends students on mission trips alongside churches and ministries worldwide.
    2. Community Ministries | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/community-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “volunteer groups serve in various locations throughout San Diego”
      Community ministry volunteer groups serve locally in San Diego.

Concerns

  • The public pages found list no regular worship night or praise service, and no prayer room.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
      Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.
  • The published chapel frequency differs between pages: four gatherings a week on the chapel page and three on the Spiritual Growth page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
      Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Student Life and Formation | PLNUpointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Student Life and Formation Supports Your Faith Journey”
    Student Life and Formation is the university office for spiritual life, with chapel, discipleship, worship arts, community and missions ministries.

Christian clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 4 off campus

Retreats 1

  • Women's and men's retreatsOff campus
    Off-campus retreats.
    pointloma.edu

Service 3

  • LoveWorks mission tripsOff campus
    Student mission teams serve alongside churches and ministries around the world.
    pointloma.edu
  • Ministry with MéxicoOff campus
    Single- and multi-day trips and service projects along the border.
    pointloma.edu
  • Community MinistriesOff campus
    Volunteer groups serving throughout San Diego.
    pointloma.edu

Clubs and groups 2

  • Alpha GroupsOn campus
    Meet regularly
    Small groups for first-semester freshmen to share faith journeys.
    pointloma.edu
  • Discipleship Groups (D-Groups)On campus
    Weekly, during the school year
    Small groups for sophomores, juniors and seniors.
    pointloma.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 2

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday9:45 AMChapel (Point Loma campus; Wednesday also at Liberty Station) · Chapel gathering; the chapel page calls these chapel services.
  • Thursday9:00 PMChapel · Evening chapel gathering.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Chapel | Point Loma Nazarene Universitypointloma.edu/offices/student-life-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
    Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.
    “Chapel is offered four times a week. We have morning gatherings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:45 a.m., as well as an evening gathering on Thursday at 9 p.m.”
    Chapel gatherings are held four times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Thursday evening at 9 p.m.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$30,999
$30,001–$48,000$32,117
$48,001–$75,000$32,888
$75,001–$110,000$33,003
Over $110,000$41,680

Full cost of attendance before aid: $60,488 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,158
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 35% · Women 65%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
29%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
29%
Total students4,494
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$38,729
Cost of attendance (per year)$60,488
Median federal debt at graduation$22,990
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
77%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
69%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
69%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
79%
First-year retention86%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$63,998
Admission rate84%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$55
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $2,459 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants21%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1175–1365ACT 25–32
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1287
SAT reading & writing610–695
SAT math565–670
ACT composite25–32
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 64 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$114,919
Business administration$74,495
Biology$65,365
Business/Corporate Communications$60,187
Allied health$59,654
Criminal justice$59,183
Design$57,740
Teacher education$56,198
Communication studies$47,092
Psychology$46,437
Family and human development$46,119

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Broadcasting, Chemistry, Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Computer engineering, Computer science, Computing and information science, Data Science, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Economics, Engineering (general), Engineering Physics, English, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Foods, Nutrition,, Global studies, Health sciences, History, Interdisciplinary studies, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Management information systems, Management science, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Other philosophy and religious studies, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Public administration, Public relations, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social work, Sociology, Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations, Theology, Visual and performing arts, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business19%
Health professions19%
Family and consumer sciences8%
Psychology7%
Education7%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates13%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older14%
On-campus room and board (per year)$13,650
SportsNCAA Division II · Pacific West Conference
ROTCArmy · Navy · Air Force
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member13 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 11%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$18,017IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 59% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceSan Diego International Airport (SAN)About 4 miles away · about 10 minutes by car
Town population1,389,526Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreSan DiegoAbout 9 miles away · about 20 minutes by car
Typical weather58°F in January · 70°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from North Island Nas, CA, about 3 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.140.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Point Loma Nazarene University a Christian college?
Yes. Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Church of the Nazarene.
What is Point Loma Nazarene University’s Compass Score?
84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Chapel is listed at Chapel (Point Loma campus; Wednesday also at Liberty Station) and Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Point Loma Nazarene University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Point Loma Nazarene University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 121309
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Church of the Nazarene
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