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PLNU
San Diego, CA
Group 2 — West/SoCal/AZ, match to reach tier

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA (oceanfront campus) · ~3,246 undergrads · 13:1 faculty ratio
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Thinking about applying here?
Adds school-specific application tasks to your To-Do list
Reach — This is a reach at your current stats — their average GPA and SAT are above your current range. A compelling essay and strong senior year are essential.
★★★☆☆
68
Compatibility Score / 100
PLNU offers ministry programs and a beautiful campus, but it doesn't have CACREP counseling, which limits your flexibility if you lean toward that path later. The Nazarene culture is a bit more structured than FOR, and at $34,111/year, it's the most expensive option you're considering. It's also a reach academically, which might add stress you don't need.

What Aligned ✓

ministry programs availablemedium-sized campusChristian community integrated into campus life

Watch-Outs ✕

no CACREP counseling program limits flexibilityNazarene tradition more structured than FORreach school academically may add stressnet cost at $34,111/year is highest on list
About This School

Faith Culture

Moderate Faith Match — Church of the Nazarene
Welcoming to all traditions, but a different denomination from FOR. Worth experiencing the worship culture before committing.

Campus Life

Oceanfront campus — surf culture, beach minutes away. Green Sea Hooligans student section. Strict visitation policies. Conservative norms, close community.

Academic Support

13:1 ratio, professors notice absence. Standard disability services. Advising is reactive. Most expensive school on the list.

Admissions

Acceptance
84%
Avg GPA
3.69
SAT Mid-50%
1180–1365

Programs

Ministry (Undergrad)

Christian Ministry, Intercultural Studies, Worship Arts

Counseling (Undergrad)

Psychology, Human Services

Not CACREP Accredited

Cost

$34,111/yr

Est. net price after financial aid

How to Apply

Apply at pointloma.edu/admissions. PLNU accepts the Common App. A spiritual recommendation and faith statement are required. Final deadline February 15 — apply by December.

FAFSA Code: 001262

Go to Admissions →
What You Can Do This Summer & Senior Year

Still Deciding?

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Visit the San Diego oceanfront campus — it's genuinely unique and the setting matters for a 4-year decision
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Research Church of the Nazarene tradition — welcoming but meaningfully different from FOR
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Ask current students about the strict visitation policies and campus culture before committing

Steps to Stay on Track

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Final application deadline: February 15 — apply by December for best consideration
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Aid priority deadline: March 2 — submit FAFSA early (FAFSA code: 001262)
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Contact admissions: admissions@pointloma.edu or 619-849-2273

To Strengthen Your Application

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PLNU avg GPA is 3.69 — this is a genuine reach; finishing senior year at 3.5+ is essential
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Retake SAT targeting 1180+ to reach the mid-50% range (1180–1365) — current score is significantly below
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Extracurricular involvement is explicitly part of PLNU's holistic review — document leadership roles and service
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Church involvement and faith community engagement strengthen your application at PLNU
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Strong personal essay is critical — your background, faith story, and calling are compelling material
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Reach out to PLNU admissions directly and visit campus — demonstrated interest is tracked and valued
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Faith statement and pastoral recommendation required — secure the reference at least 6 weeks early
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Submit FAFSA by March 2 aid priority date — PLNU's aid packages reward early filers
Visit PLNU Official Site → ← Back to All Schools See My Full Lineup