PLNU vs. Saint Joseph's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA with Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (7,159 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); Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 11:1.

PLNU vs. Saint Joseph's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia than PLNU ($31,205 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 15.9% lower than at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia ($13,650 vs. $16,240).
• Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $7,010 more per year; $53,260.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Saint Joseph's University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $7,010 more per year; $53,260.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia students is 78.6% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($36,964 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. Saint Joseph's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Saint Joseph's University (1260).
• Incoming Saint Joseph's 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; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 1170/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; Saint Joseph's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; Saint Joseph's University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have the same average high school GPA (3.65) as students at Saint Joseph's University (3.65).
• Saint Joseph's University has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 14.1% at Saint Joseph's University.

PLNU vs. Saint Joseph's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and Saint Joseph's 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).

• Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,000 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia graduates have a $1,992 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($23,008 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Saint Joseph's University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Joseph's University 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.