Clearly, a Great Choice 
Growth
Point Loma Nazarene University is known for preparing students not only for graduation but also for life. At PLNU, you will be surrounded by a Christian community interested in your spiritual development. It’s a place where you can ask questions, discuss issues, challenge yourself, and grow.
Opportunity
Close to Mexico and the Pacific Rim, Point Loma is a picturesque, ocean-side community with a multitude of opportunities just minutes away. It’s an outstanding place to learn from committed professors who will know you personally.
Fun
PLNU is fun! There are many clubs, organizations, ministries, mission trips, athletic events, music and drama performances, and campus events from which to choose. For the richest of college experiences, choose Point Loma Nazarene University!
We’re glad you have decided to consider applying to Point Loma. Please review our topics below to start the process of getting acquainted with us. If you have questions, your
admissions counselor will be glad to help.
How do I apply?
Seniors in high school have two application deadlines to choose from:
Early Action
- Deadline is November 15
- Notification is mailed before December 23.
General Admission
- Deadline is February 15
- Notification is mailed mid-to-late March
You must submit the following items:
For more specific information, refer to our
Application Procedures
Need help on your essays?
We understand the pressure and uncertainty in writing essays for college applications. To help you out, we have created a few tips for you to be more successfull in writing your application essays. Take a look at our Essay Help page.
How do I get in?
To be considered for admission into PLNU, you must have a complete application, including high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and recommendation letters. Our applicants also have the option of conducting an interview with their admissions counselor. Interviews are not required but are strongly recommended (call 800-733-7770 or refer to our campus visit page to schedule an interview). Incoming freshmen for the 2008-2009 school year had an average weighted GPA of 3.75 and SAT score of 1153 (math + critical reading).
For more specific information, refer to our Admissions Requirements
Who can I talk to about anything Point Loma related?
Each prospective student is matched with an Admission Counselor. Your Admissions Counselor will be able to assist you with the application process and familiarize you with Point Loma. Find out who your Admissions Counselor is so you know who to contact when you have questions!
What is PLNU all about?
Find out what makes PLNU different than other Christian schools. Take a look at our University Profile to learn the basics, find out how you can be involved as a PLNU student with campus life, see how you can grow in your faith by checking out our ministry and service opportunities, and check out our housing website to get a glimpse what it’s like to live on the ocean at PLNU!
Does PLNU have my major?
We have more than 60 majors and areas of study for you to choose from. See our list of majors at our Areas of Study page. Our Online Catalog is also available for you to refer to departmental or general curriculum requirements.
How do I schedule a visit?
We have an outstanding campus visit program in place and we’d like you to experience first-hand what it is like to go to school here! At our campus visit page, you can see all our visit options as well as schedule a visit online. You might also consider attending one of our Preview Days, which are geared towards introducing you to the day in the life of a PLNU student.
What is the cost and how do I get financial aid?
Tuition for the 2009-2010 school year is $25,300. Room and board, depending on your meal plan, averages about $8,000 per year. We recommend all of our prospective students fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after January 1 as possible. This is the first step in receiving financial aid. PLNU does not require a separate application for financial aid. Certain scholarships, especially those that are athletic or performance based may require extra materials or auditions. PLNU offers academic awards to first time freshmen that range from $4,000 up to full tuition! Find out about eligibility criteria and other scholarships at our Tuition and Financial Aid website.
What should I know before applying to college?
There are many things to consider before applying to college. We have put together some tips on applying to Point Loma to highlight what we believe to be important in successfully matriculating into college.
Can I get college credit for taking AP tests?
For those who like to get a head start on college credit before beginning your freshmen year, we encourage you to visit our Transfer Credit site, where you can view our AP Guide to see what scores you need in order to get credit at Point Loma. Once here, you can refer to our Transfer Agreements with Local Community Colleges, or our Education Transfer Guide to get a better idea of which community college classes will transfer in.
Please visit our FAQ if you have any more questions. Remember that your admissions counselor is here to help throughout the admissions process!