Point Loma Nazarene University officially reached a new total enrollment record of 5,100 students for the Fall 2026 academic year.
The historic enrollment reflects 104 more students than the previous year, as well as bringing in 2,668 traditional undergraduate students — the second largest incoming class in PLNU history. Accelerated undergraduate enrollment reached 675 students, with the majority of new growth coming from the graduate programs at 1,757 total enrollment.
Not only is PLNU increasing incoming student enrollment rates, but also increasing retention throughout graduate and undergraduate programs, showing continued university-wide growth amid nationwide enrollment drop rates.
University-Wide Enrollment Growth
Total Undergraduate
Traditional undergraduate students at PLNU maintained a similar enrollment compared to the previous year, reaching 2,668 total students — 3 students fewer than fall 2025. Accelerated undergraduate programs saw a slight decline of 37 students from fall 2025.
PLNU saw the second largest class for first-time freshman students reaching 679 students, with 159 new transfer students in traditional undergraduate programs.
Total Graduate
PLNU’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) made history with an all-time high of 1,757 students. This is exactly an 8.9% growth, of 144 new students, from fall 2025.
The strength of the GPS programs are highlighted in the School of Education where teaching credential programs maintained a headcount of 328 students. The master’s programs including the College of Health Sciences and the Fermanian School of Business are just two of multiple programs aiding PLNU to reach a master’s degree student headcount of 1,318. This growth came from 475 new master’s seeking students, reaching 53 more students than the prior year.
What Does Rising Enrollment at PLNU Mean?
"This record-high year for enrollment at PLNU goes beyond a statistic — it reflects our commitment to students and families to provide an education that emphasizes spiritual growth and guidance toward their future careers. As we extend our mission beyond the traditional campus to our graduate programs, community college partnerships, and online courses, we have the opportunity to build deep connections with the San Diego community and with school districts across the state. It is an exciting time to serve and extend the mission of a Christ-centered education that has been happening at this school for 125 years.” ― Stacey Berggren, Ed.D., Ph.D., Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing
Our university growth is deeply rooted in our mission. Rising enrollment rates allow for more opportunities to shape the spaces and communities where students get to experience the authenticity of Christ in the classroom, in service opportunities, and in the hearts of individual students as they develop their faith and character.
While enrollment continues to grow, PLNU is further expanding and maintaining its presence throughout San Diego. Through partnerships with organizations such as the San Diego Padres, San Diego Football Club, San Diego Seals, and more, PLNU has been able to strengthen and create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and develop relationships for students’ future careers. As San Diego continues to grow and create new opportunities, PLNU is expanding its own offerings to help students prepare for meaningful careers, discover their strengths, and grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
As external growth in San Diego has created new opportunities, PLNU is always working towards expanding internally to develop more opportunities for students’ careers and whole-person growth.
125 Years and Beyond
As PLNU approaches its 125th anniversary in 2027, the milestone of reaching a historical record for enrollment displays one of many ways our university continues to build upon a legacy of faith, learning, and service. Guided by its Wesleyan-Holiness heritage, PLNU will continue to be rooted in a Christ-centered education supporting students pursuing their calling through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and remain committed to academic excellence, character formation, and service for generations to come.
Fall enrollment figures are based on PLNU’s official census conducted in November 2026. The university enrolled 3,343 undergraduate students and 1,757 graduate students, for a total fall 2026 enrollment of 5,100.