Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private Christian liberal arts university in San Diego, California, ranked #15 among Regional Universities West by US News Best Colleges 2026. Founded in 1902, PLNU sits on a 90-acre oceanfront campus in the Point Loma neighborhood overlooking the Pacific.
The university offers over 60 undergraduate programmes and 35 graduate programmes across business, nursing, education, theology, and the sciences, all delivered in English. Indian applicants apply primarily for the MS in the USA, MBA, and MA programmes across Fall and Spring intakes.
- US News Regional West Rank: #15 (2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 78% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition: USD 15,930 to USD 39,600 per year (INR 15.1 lakh to INR 37.4 lakh)
- Total Enrolment: 3,400 students across UG and PG programmes
- Average PG Starting Salary: USD 68,000 (INR 64.3 lakh)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
PLNU offers merit scholarships to international applicants ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 12,000 per year. Indian students apply via the F-1 student visa pathway, with San Diego’s cost of living notably lower than San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 application deadline for international students is 15 November 2026, and PLNU operates rolling admissions for most graduate programmes. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open October 2026 on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of 1 May 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Point Loma Nazarene University 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Admission 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Point Loma Nazarene University Scholarships 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Rankings 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Point Loma Nazarene University vs Peer Universities
- Point Loma Nazarene University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Point Loma Nazarene University 2027
PLNU offers 35 graduate programmes and over 60 undergraduate programmes. Graduate tuition is priced per credit hour, with most master’s degrees requiring 30 to 42 credits. Undergraduate tuition is charged as a flat annual rate for full-time enrolment.
Point Loma Nazarene University PG Courses and Fees 2027
The following PG programmes attract the highest Indian applicant volume. Total fees below reflect the full programme duration at published per-credit rates for 2026-27.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 39,600 | 37.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Data Science | 32,400 | 30.6 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MA in Clinical Counseling | 36,900 | 34.9 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MSN Nursing | 27,600 | 26.1 lakh | BSN with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MA in Organizational Leadership | 21,120 | 19.9 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MEd in Teaching | 18,720 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA in Special Education | 17,280 | 16.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Health Care Informatics | 36,000 | 34.0 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA in Ministry | 15,930 | 15.1 lakh | Bachelor’s with 50% or CGPA 5.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Kinesiology | 19,200 | 18.1 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
Point Loma Nazarene University UG Courses and Fees 2027
Undergraduate tuition is a flat annual rate of USD 42,900 for 2026-27, covering 12 to 18 credits per semester. Total four-year tuition works out to USD 171,600.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS in Business Administration | 171,600 | 162.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS in Nursing | 171,600 | 162.2 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS in Computer Science | 171,600 | 162.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA in Psychology | 171,600 | 162.2 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS in Biology | 171,600 | 162.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants overwhelmingly choose the MBA and MS in Data Science at PLNU because both offer STEM-designated 36-month OPT eligibility, letting graduates work in the US for three years post-degree.
Read More: PLNU Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Point Loma Nazarene University Admission 2027
PLNU accepts applications for both Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes, with Fall as the primary window for Indian applicants. Most graduate programmes operate on rolling admissions.
PLNU PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate deadlines vary slightly by programme, with the MBA and MS Data Science running on rolling admissions and clinical programmes carrying fixed cutoffs.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 international deadline | 15 November 2026 | Applies to most PG programmes |
| Fall 2027 priority deadline | 1 May 2027 | Best for scholarship consideration |
| MA Clinical Counseling deadline | 1 February 2027 | Fixed cohort start, no rolling admission |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 10 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required |
| Programme start (Fall) | August 2027 | Orientation held one week prior |
Planning note: Indian applicants should begin WES credential evaluation at least 10 weeks before their target deadline; a rushed transcript submission is the single most common cause of PLNU deferral into the next intake.
Read More: PLNU Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Point Loma Nazarene University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants must show academic eligibility, English proficiency, and credential verification for all PLNU graduate programmes.
PLNU PG Admission Requirements 2027
- Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 from a recognised Indian university (recommended)
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.5, or PTE Academic 58
- Credential Verification: WES course-by-course evaluation required
- GRE/GMAT: Waived for the MBA and MS Data Science for candidates with 3+ years of work experience
PLNU UG Admission Requirements 2027
- Class 12: Minimum 70% aggregate from CBSE, ICSE or state board (recommended)
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71 (0-120 legacy scale) or IELTS 6.0
- SAT/ACT: Test-optional for international applicants for Fall 2027 entry
Key insight: PLNU waives the IELTS or TOEFL requirement for Indian applicants who completed their bachelor’s degree at an English-medium Indian university, provided they submit a medium-of-instruction letter from the registrar.
Point Loma Nazarene University Acceptance Rate 2027
PLNU’s undergraduate acceptance rate is 78% (estimated) for Fall 2026 entry, positioning the university as moderately selective. Graduate programme acceptance rates run higher, in the 82% to 88% band, reflecting programme-specific admission committees.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 | 77% (estimated) | Slight rise |
| 2024 | 75% (estimated) | Baseline |
Indian applicants meeting the academic and English thresholds have a strong probability of admission at PLNU. Programme-specific requirements matter more than raw acceptance rate at this tier.
Reality check: An 78% acceptance rate does not mean easy entry for Indian applicants; missing a WES evaluation or falling below the TOEFL 79 minimum causes automatic rejection regardless of academic profile.
Read More: PLNU Acceptance Rate
Point Loma Nazarene University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for Indian PG students at PLNU ranges from USD 38,000 to USD 62,000 (INR 35.9 lakh to INR 58.6 lakh), covering tuition plus living expenses in San Diego.
Point Loma Nazarene University Fees for Indian Students 2027
Fees at PLNU vary sharply by programme level and discipline, with UG tuition set as a flat rate and PG tuition charged per credit.
| Programme Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 42,900 | 40.5 lakh |
| Postgraduate | 15,930 to 39,600 | 15.1 to 37.4 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in San Diego for Indian Students
San Diego is more affordable than San Francisco or Los Angeles but pricier than most inland US cities. Off-campus housing near PLNU averages USD 1,400 per month for a shared apartment.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,400 | INR 1.32 lakh |
| Food | 450 | INR 42,525 |
| Transportation | 110 | INR 10,395 |
| Books and Supplies | 100 | INR 9,450 |
| Personal | 250 | INR 23,625 |
| Total Monthly | 2,310 | INR 2.18 lakh |
| Total Annual | 27,720 | INR 26.2 lakh |
[Source: PLNU International Student Estimated Cost of Attendance 2026-27]
Insider note: Indian PG students commonly share two-bedroom apartments in the Ocean Beach and Loma Portal neighborhoods within a 15-minute walk of campus, bringing rent down to USD 1,100 per person.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Point Loma Nazarene University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
PLNU’s main campus spans 90 acres on a Pacific Ocean cliff in the Point Loma peninsula of San Diego.
- Location: Point Loma peninsula, 12 km west of downtown San Diego, connected by MTS bus route 84
- Housing: On-campus housing guaranteed for all first-year UG students; international PG students typically live off-campus
- Sator Hall: LEED Gold-certified science building with wet labs, dry labs, and dedicated data science computing facilities
- Indian Community: Small but growing Indian student body of around 40 across UG and PG programmes, with an active International Student Association
What Indian students say: The tight-knit Christian community can feel restrictive for students used to larger secular universities. Faculty accessibility is exceptional, with most graduate professors available for one-on-one meetings within 24 hours of a request.
Point Loma Nazarene University Scholarships 2027
PLNU offers merit-based scholarships to international students, with two programmes specifically open to graduate applicants.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Merit Award | Merit | USD 3,000 to USD 12,000/year | Automatic based on academic record | With application |
| Global Leader Scholarship | Merit | USD 5,000/year | Demonstrated leadership + 3.5 GPA | 1 March 2027 |
| Graduate Alumni Scholarship | Programme-specific | USD 2,000/year | PLNU UG alumni pursuing PG | With application |
| Fellowship in Business (MBA) | Merit | Up to 30% tuition | MBA applicants with GMAT 650+ | 1 May 2027 |
Planning note: The International Student Merit Award is automatic, but the Global Leader Scholarship requires a separate essay and 2 recommendation letters; Indian applicants who submit essays 30 days before the deadline see the highest success rate.
Read More: PLNU Scholarships Guide
Point Loma Nazarene University Rankings 2027
PLNU’s strongest ranking is #15 among Regional Universities West in US News Best Colleges 2026, holding steady from prior editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional West | 2026: #15 | 2025: #15 | 2024: #17 |
| US News Best Value West | 2026: #22 | 2025: #24 | 2024: #27 |
| US News Best Undergraduate Teaching West | 2026: #10 | 2025: #12 | 2024: #14 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | Not ranked | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges]
PLNU does not rank in the QS World or THE World tables, which is standard for Regional Universities West. The University’s subject strengths sit in Nursing and Business Undergraduate programmes, both ranked in the US News Best Undergraduate Programs 2026.
Key insight: The US News Regional West rank matters for Indian applicants because F-1 visa officers recognise it as an accreditation proxy, and Optional Practical Training employers use it for degree verification.
Read More: PLNU Rankings Analysis
Point Loma Nazarene University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
PLNU reports strong career outcomes for its graduate cohort, with the Fermanian Business Center supporting MBA and MS placement.
- Employment Rate: 92% of graduates employed or in further study within 6 months (Class of 2025)
- Median PG Starting Salary: USD 68,000 (INR 64.3 lakh), market median
- MBA Median Salary: USD 82,000 (INR 77.5 lakh), market median
- Top Sectors: Healthcare, technology, financial services, education
- Career Support: Offshore Career Center offers 1-on-1 coaching, OPT and CPT workshops, employer networking events
Insider note: Indian STEM MS graduates from PLNU typically pivot to San Diego biotech and defense contractors during their 36-month OPT, with Qualcomm, Illumina and General Atomics recruiting from campus career fairs.
Point Loma Nazarene University vs Peer Universities
Peer comparison uses Regional Universities West institutions and one national peer, matched by fee band and Indian applicant relevance.
| University | US News Regional West 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | One-line Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Loma Nazarene University | #15 | USD 27,000 (INR 25.5 lakh) | Oceanfront campus with 36-month STEM OPT |
| California Baptist University | #19 | USD 25,000 (INR 23.6 lakh) | Larger Indian community, lower cost |
| Azusa Pacific University | #25 | USD 28,000 (INR 26.5 lakh) | Los Angeles metro location |
| Seattle Pacific University | #12 | USD 31,000 (INR 29.3 lakh) | Higher rank, colder climate |
[Source: US News Best Colleges]
PLNU stands out for its oceanfront location and stronger business ties in Southern California. Career outcomes match higher-ranked peers due to San Diego’s tech and biotech employer base.
Point Loma Nazarene University suits Indian students seeking a small Christian university, strong faculty access, and STEM OPT eligibility, with a total investment around INR 60 lakh returning a USD 68,000 median salary within six months. The F-1 visa pathway is straightforward for admitted candidates.
It is not the right fit for students prioritising QS-ranked global brands, secular campus culture, or Ivy-tier research funding. Applicants seeking those should consider California Baptist University for a similar tier at lower cost, or a UC campus for higher research intensity.
Point Loma Nazarene University FAQs
Ques. What English-taught programmes does Point Loma Nazarene University offer beyond MBA?
Ans. All PLNU graduate programmes are taught in English, including the MS in Data Science, MA in Clinical Counseling, MSN Nursing, MEd in Teaching, MA in Organizational Leadership, and MA in Ministry. Indian applicants can also pursue the MS in Kinesiology and the MBA in Health Care Informatics. No language other than English is used for instruction across UG or PG cohorts.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at PLNU?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at PLNU can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term time and 40 hours per week during official breaks. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation after the first academic year. The PLNU International Student Office issues CPT approvals within 5 to 10 business days once the offer letter is submitted with the required academic advisor sign-off.
Ques. How does the GRE waiver work for the MS in Data Science at Point Loma Nazarene University?
Ans. The MS Data Science GRE waiver is granted to applicants with three or more years of full-time work experience in a quantitative role, or a bachelor’s CGPA above 8.0/10. Applicants must submit a waiver request form with their application. PLNU also waives GRE for candidates holding an existing master’s degree in a STEM field from a recognised university, subject to committee review.
Ques. Does Point Loma Nazarene University require an interview for admission?
Ans. The MA in Clinical Counseling requires a mandatory video interview with the programme director. The MBA and MS Data Science interview candidates on a case-by-case basis, typically for scholarship consideration. All other PG programmes admit based on written application alone. UG applicants are not interviewed. Video interviews for Indian applicants are conducted over Zoom in evening IST slots.
Ques. What is the application fee at PLNU and can it be waived?
Ans. The PLNU graduate application fee is USD 50 (INR 4,725) and the undergraduate fee is USD 40 (INR 3,780). PLNU waives the application fee for applicants who attend a virtual open house event, participate in a graduate programme webinar, or apply through the Common App with a demonstrated financial need. Indian applicants can request a waiver directly from the admissions office by email.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Point Loma Nazarene University?
Ans. PLNU is recognised for education loans by HDFC Credila, Avanse Financial Services, Auxilo, InCred, State Bank of India global education loan scheme, and Prodigy Finance for cosigner-free graduate loans. Loan amounts typically cover up to INR 60 lakh for PG programmes. Indian applicants should submit the I-20 form for loan approval, which PLNU issues within 10 business days of confirmed enrolment.
Ques. Can Indian students bring dependents on an F-2 visa to PLNU?
Ans. Yes, PLNU issues I-20 forms for F-2 dependents including spouses and unmarried children under 21. Financial proof requirements add USD 8,000 per dependent to the sponsor letter. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but can enroll in part-time academic study. F-2 children can attend K-12 schools in San Diego at no cost through the local public school district.
Ques. How does WES credential evaluation work for Point Loma Nazarene University?
Ans. PLNU requires a WES course-by-course evaluation for all Indian bachelor’s degree transcripts. Applicants submit certified transcripts directly from their Indian university to WES, along with the WES ICAP application. Evaluation takes 5 to 7 business days once documents are received. The completed evaluation is sent electronically to PLNU. Total cost is around USD 220 (INR 20,790) including document handling.
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Point Loma Nazarene University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 96,350/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.8 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.4 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Point Loma Nazarene University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.pointloma.edu/UndergradAdmissions/ApplyNow.htm
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Point Loma Nazarene University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Point Loma Nazarene University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1926 | 1892 | 34 | 5 |
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