PLNU vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (7,713 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); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

PLNU vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than PLNU ($14,493 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 20.8% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($13,650 vs. $17,234).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 494.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $38,471 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.9% higher at PLNU than at California State University Monterey Bay (about $25,871 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $20,379.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at California State University Monterey Bay (94% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students is 69.9% larger than aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students ($20,702 vs. $12,185).

PLNU vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 210 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 20 at CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at CSUMB (3.45).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

PLNU vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay's (38%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($144 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSUMB students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 66%)

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.