Gordon College vs Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)
Gordon College and Point Loma Nazarene University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Gordon College, nestled in the historic town of Wenham, Massachusetts, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity in admissions. Point Loma Nazarene University, situated in the vibrant city of San Diego, California, offers a more diverse student body, with a higher percentage of international students. While both institutions excel in various academic disciplines, Gordon College is renowned for its strong programs in the humanities and social sciences, while Point Loma Nazarene University shines in business, nursing, and education. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including their graduation rates, popular majors, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal academic environment for your educational journey.
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![]() Gordon College |
![]() Point Loma Nazarene University |
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Overview |
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Location | Wenham, Massachusetts | San Diego, California |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 79.0% | 84.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Interdenominational | Evangelical |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 77.4% | 83.7% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$55
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | 1153 - 1370 | 1170 - 1350 |
ACT range | 24 - 30 | 22 - 30 |
Students submitting SAT score | 24.0% | 15.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 8.0% | 10.0% |
Total number of applicants | 1,462 | 3,060 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,132 | 2,560 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 317 | 662 |
Yield rate | 28.0% | 25.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $40,910 | $62,642 |
Average net price | $25,917 | $34,851 |
Tuition | $25,250 | $38,800 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,480
Meal plan:
$4,220
|
$11,300 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $26,364 |
100.0%
Average amount $18,365 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
68.0%
Average amount $7,144 |
45.0%
Average amount $5,325 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $14,683 |
6.0%
Average amount $22,040 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,368
Men 39.5% Women 60.5% |
3,174
Men 34.3% Women 65.7% |
Graduate students |
436
Men 26.4% Women 73.6% |
1,271
Men 29.2% Women 70.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 26.3% |
International students | 8.4% | 1.1% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,390 | 1,845 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Mississippi Connecticut New Hampshire New York New Jersey | California Washington Colorado Arizona Hawaii |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 11:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.1% | 72.7% |
Dropout rate | 27.7% | 3.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | 22.9% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business/Corporate Communications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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