PLNU vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (6,864 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); Fairfield University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Fairfield University 12:1.

PLNU vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Fairfield 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 Point Loma Nazarene University than Fairfield University ($39,696 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 31.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($13,650 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 26.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $12,100 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at Fairfield University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $12,100 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($26,274 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 60 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at PLNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

PLNU vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Fairfield 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $23,600 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 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 Fairfield University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield 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.