PLNU vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

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

Duquesne University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (8,234 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); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

PLNU vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Duquesne 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 Duquesne University than PLNU ($37,917 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 16.6% lower than at Duquesne University ($13,650 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $2,736 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Duquesne University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $2,736 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 44.2% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($29,850 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Duquesne University (1260).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at PLNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Duquesne University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

PLNU vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Duquesne 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).

• Duquesne University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 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 Duquesne University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.