PLNU vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

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

Cedarville University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (6,318 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); Cedarville University is in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Cedarville University 14:1.

PLNU vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University than PLNU ($27,150 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 29.9% lower than at Point Loma Nazarene University ($9,574 vs. $13,650).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 24.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedarville University (about $9,100 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at PLNU than at Cedarville University (about $9,100 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cedarville University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedarville University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($22,177 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 20 points higher than at Cedarville University (1250).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cedarville University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Cedarville University (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

PLNU vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Cedarville 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 Cedarville University's (68%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Cedarville University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.