Point Loma Nazarene University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is 81.93%. This means that 82 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is Point Loma Nazarene University Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as PLNU is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
Point Loma Nazarene University Admission Requirements
PLNU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at PLNU is 3.65. PLNU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.35 and 3.65, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.25 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into PLNU Without SAT Or ACT?: Point Loma Nazarene University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Point Loma Nazarene University Average SAT Score: 1260
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Point Loma Nazarene University is 1260 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Point Loma Nazarene University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1260 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Point Loma Nazarene University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to PLNU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Point Loma Nazarene University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1260 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at PLNU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) are good but the admission staff at PLNU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
PLNU Profile
Name: Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)
City: San Diego
URL: www.pointloma.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 92106-2899
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from PLNU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Point Loma Nazarene University is USD: 54207. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Point Loma Nazarene University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
23.13% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.46 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to PLNU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist PLNU as your choice in the form.
How much a PLNU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the PLNU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 63998. An average PLNU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Point Loma Nazarene University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Point Loma Nazarene University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Point Loma Nazarene University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Point Loma Nazarene University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Illinois Wesleyan University, IL | 1263 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Point Loma Nazarene University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1323 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions About Point Loma Nazarene University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63998 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $54207 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Point Loma Nazarene University is 81.93 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.65. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.35, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Point Loma Nazarene University with a 3.35 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.35 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Point Loma Nazarene University if my GPA is below 3.25
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.65, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: Admission to Point Loma Nazarene University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1260 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Point Loma Nazarene University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Point Loma Nazarene University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: The campus culture at Point Loma Nazarene University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Point Loma Nazarene University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Point Loma Nazarene University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.