PLNU vs. Butler

Comparable Facts

Compare Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA with Butler University in Indianapolis, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Butler University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (5,746 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); Butler University is in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Butler University 11:1.

PLNU vs. Butler Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Butler? 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 Butler University than PLNU ($38,438 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 16.9% lower than at Butler University ($13,650 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $1,310 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at Butler than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $1,310 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 34.2% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($27,790 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Butler Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Butler? 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 Butler and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Butler (1260).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Butler (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Butler University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Butler University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Butler - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 12.9% at Butler.

PLNU vs. Butler Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Butler? 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).

• The graduation rate at PLNU is the same as at Butler University (72% vs. 72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Point Loma Nazarene University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 79%)

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.