A straight answer: 83.7% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 84 actually get in. No guessing. Point Loma Nazarene University is a UNIV institution located in San Diego, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Point Loma Nazarene University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
What the Point Loma Nazarene University Acceptance Rate Can — and Can’t — Tell You
Looking up the Point Loma Nazarene University acceptance rate is a natural starting point for applicants trying to understand admissions competitiveness. The number is easy to find and easy to compare, but it’s often misunderstood.
An acceptance rate of 83.7% represents outcomes across thousands of applications, not individual chances. It combines students with strong academic preparation, borderline applicants, and exploratory submissions into one statistic, which limits how precisely it can be interpreted.
Why Acceptance Rates Vary Year to Year
Acceptance rates don’t just change because universities become more or less selective. They fluctuate based on how many students apply, how programs manage enrollment, and how applicants self-select.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, shifts in applicant interest—especially in certain majors—can influence admissions outcomes. When demand increases in popular programs, competition intensifies even if the overall acceptance rate remains stable.
A Better Way to Think About Admissions Chances
Rather than using the acceptance rate at Point Loma Nazarene University as a prediction tool, students should see it as a benchmark. It helps identify whether a school belongs in a reach, target, or safety category, but it doesn’t replace self-assessment.
Applicants who focus on academic fit, preparation, and realistic expectations often find that acceptance rate data makes more sense in hindsight than it does upfront.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Point Loma Nazarene University
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Point Loma Nazarene University based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherShould Point Loma Nazarene University Be on Your College List?
By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether Point Loma Nazarene University belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.
Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.
Making a Balanced Application Decision
Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place Point Loma Nazarene University into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.
What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.
Should You Apply to Point Loma Nazarene University?
If 83.7% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Point Loma Nazarene University
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Point Loma Nazarene University Acceptance Rate
Is Point Loma Nazarene University test optional?
Yes, Point Loma Nazarene University has a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at PLNU?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Point Loma Nazarene University is 13:1, promoting personalized attention and support for students.
Are chapel services required at PLNU?
Yes, chapel services are mandatory at Point Loma Nazarene University, emphasizing the university's commitment to its Christian values and community.
What is the acceptance rate for Point Loma Nazarene University?
The acceptance rate at Point Loma Nazarene University is 83%, indicating a relatively accessible admissions process for prospective students.
Does PLNU offer nursing programs?
Yes, Point Loma Nazarene University offers various undergraduate programs, including a nursing program, catering to students interested in healthcare professions.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Point Loma Nazarene University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success