Founded in 1902 by Dr. Phineas F. Bresee, Point Loma Nazarene University began as a Christian based college out of Pasadena, California. Originally called the Pacific Bible College, Dr. Bresee founded the core principles of the campus today. Running for more than half century at the Pasadena location, W. Shelburne Brown whom was president of the college in 1973 had decided to move the college to its current location where it became the Point Loma Nazarene University. In 1999, graduate programs were introduced as well as the opening of satellite campuses in the California southwest.
Mission/Vision
Point Loma Nazarene University is a faith-based university that provides higher education where “minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service becomes an expression of faith.” The foundation of this learning is from being of Wesleyan heritage where they “aspire to be a learning community where grace is foundational, truth is pursued, and holiness is a way of life.”
Campus Setting
Located on the highest point atop the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, the lush wooded campus provides an excellent view of the city to the east and its bay waters to the setting sun over the west. The surrounding neighborhood is one of the most eco-conscious in the country with a laid-back attitude that is nothing short of being quintessential of the area. The sizable campus offers many of the amenities that other universities offer with average classroom sizes being nominal. Satellite campuses have been established in nearby Mission Valley and Liberty Station as well as Graduate Studies facilities in Riverside and Bakersfield, California.
Academics
Point Loma Nazarene University is a liberal arts school with a focus on faith-based learning. With learning programs ranging from accounting to youth ministry, PLNU is a diverse learning place with many facets to broaden the learning base of any student. The student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1 making class sizes relatively small in comparison to other colleges.
Athletics
Home of the PLNU “Sea Lions”, the university is part of the NCAA Division II college athletics program and part of the Pac West conference. Offering a wide range of sports programs for men and women, the Men’s Baseball team is considered one of the best in their division.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Point Loma is expensive, however it is actually quite lower than other private colleges of its type. Students who have met admission requirements and are in need of tuition assistance can find a number of ways to meet those needs. Work/Service programs and Financial Aid is available for students requiring the need. The school also offers and qualifies for most scholarship programs. Please refer to the school’s website for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
Accreditation
PLNU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) as well various trade/professional organizations. Many of these accolades come from the school’s nursing programs that are nationally recognized as one of the best in the region.
Admissions
Point Loma Nazarene University offers open admissions for their school year that traditionally runs between the months of September through June. The application deadlines for freshmen are to be filled out by November 15 for early approval and February 15 as the final deadline. Transfer students should apply before October 1 and February 15. These dates are for the following year.
The application process begins with filling on the online application, then scheduling for an interview with admissions counselor.
Contact should be made via the website or direct:
Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 849-2200
http://www.pointloma.edu/
