PLNU vs. Adelphi University

Comparable Facts

Compare Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA with Adelphi University in Garden City, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Adelphi University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (7,603 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Adelphi University is in Garden City, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Adelphi University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Adelphi University 12:1.

PLNU vs. Adelphi University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Adelphi University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adelphi University than PLNU ($31,303 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 31.8% lower than at Adelphi University ($13,650 vs. $20,028).
• Adelphi University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $2,860 more per year; $49,110.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Adelphi University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $2,860 more per year; $49,110.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adelphi University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adelphi University students is 54.5% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($31,976 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Adelphi University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Adelphi University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Adelphi University and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Adelphi University (1230).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Adelphi University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Adelphi University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Adelphi University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Adelphi University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Adelphi University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Adelphi University (65.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 10.3% at Adelphi University.

PLNU vs. Adelphi University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Adelphi University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Point Loma Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Adelphi University's (66%).
• Graduates from Adelphi University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Adelphi University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adelphi University graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adelphi University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.