PLNU vs. Franciscan

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than Franciscan based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Franciscan University of Steubenville is in Steubenville, OH (Small City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Franciscan University of Steubenville 17:1.

PLNU vs. Franciscan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Franciscan? 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 Franciscan University of Steubenville than PLNU ($23,086 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franciscan University of Steubenville are 26.7% lower than at Point Loma Nazarene University ($10,000 vs. $13,650).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is 35.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Franciscan (about $12,150 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $34,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.6% higher at PLNU than at Franciscan University of Steubenville (about $12,150 more per year; $46,250.00 vs. $34,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franciscan University of Steubenville than at Point Loma Nazarene University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franciscan University of Steubenville students is 4% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($21,522 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Franciscan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Franciscan (1230).
• Incoming PLNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Franciscan).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; Franciscan University of Steubenville 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Franciscan University of Steubenville 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Franciscan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Franciscan students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Franciscan (58.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 41.7% at Franciscan.

PLNU vs. Franciscan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Franciscan? 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 Franciscan University of Steubenville's (70%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Franciscan graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Franciscan graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franciscan students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 78%)

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.