PLNU vs. University of Portland

Comparable Facts

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

Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than University of Portland based on total student enrollment (4,757 students vs. 3,285 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of Portland is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Portland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1; University of Portland 9:1.

PLNU vs. University of Portland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland than PLNU ($30,985 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 20.9% lower than at University of Portland ($13,650 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $11,850 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at University of Portland than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $11,850 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Portland than at Point Loma Nazarene University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 105.5% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($42,538 vs. $20,702).

PLNU vs. University of Portland Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland and PLNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Point Loma Nazarene University (1270) is the same as at University of Portland (1270).
• Incoming PLNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at University of Portland (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365; University of Portland 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32; University of Portland 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PLNU - Test optional; University of Portland - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027; University of Portland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Portland students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• University of Portland has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than PLNU (83.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at PLNU vs. 9.6% at University of Portland.

PLNU vs. University of Portland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PLNU and University of Portland? 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).

• University of Portland's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Point Loma Nazarene University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Portland earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Portland graduates have a $687 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($24,313 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Portland graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($251 vs. $258).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PLNU students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.