Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Point Loma Nazarene University at a Glance
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private university in Point Loma in San Diego, California, United States. It was founded in 1902 as a Bible college by the Church of the Nazarene.
1902
124 years old
$37M
US$37,360,494
4,494
3,158 undergrad · 1,336 grad
Identity
Is Point Loma Nazarene University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Point Loma Nazarene University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $63,998 — 19% above average — while paying $38,729/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 76% graduation rate means roughly 24% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Point Loma Nazarene University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Point Loma Nazarene University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #65 of 86 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #5 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #6 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #65 | Point Loma Nazarene University | 31 | $38,729 | $63,998 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Point Loma Nazarene University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in CA.
Best Programs at Point Loma Nazarene University
The highest-earning program at Point Loma Nazarene University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $79,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $21,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Point Loma Nazarene University earns $79,200, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $21,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,393 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $38,729/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $79,200 | $79,200 | $26,393 |
| Business/Corporate Communications | $35,600 | $35,600 | $18,625 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $30,900 | $30,900 | $25,191 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,800 | $29,800 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $27,700 | $27,700 | $26,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $27,200 | $27,200 | $19,750 |
| Psychology, General | $24,200 | $24,200 | $25,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $21,400 | $21,400 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Diego, CA
- Student Body
- 3,188 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 76%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $38,729
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,998
- Median Student Debt
- $22,990