Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA, USA

Reviews

Point Loma Nazarene University

Adam Corfman from San Diego, CA

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The school has a great academic atmosphere. Because of the policy prohibiting drugs or alcohol on campus, students can focus on learning and enjoy their studies in a healthy environment. The school provides great opportunities for extra-curricular education through various presentations of community speakers, authors, and other professionals.
Am enjoying being here
The professors are encouraging and supportive of student goals, and the social atmosphere is very inviting and open to hearing the opinions and ideas of others. I love my classes, the retreats, and the chance to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain once a year! I love PLNU!
Tips for prospective students
The school is expensive, since it is a private school, but the Student Financial Services (SFS) department provides great service to help students afford their costs for tuition and fees. SFS provides several scholarships and grants and information for you to apply for various local and state scholarships and grants as well. The school also has connections with Tuition Management Systems (TMS), which allows you to pay your bill in smaller monthly payments.
Great for these types of students
PLNU provides a challenging, but not overwhelming, curriculum. You will do just fine if you study hard, try your best, and take time to have fun! If you like having a good time, meeting new people, and studying in an encouraging and God-loving environment, then PLNU is the school for you!

Alyssa from El Cajon, CA

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
PLNU has the best professors who enjoy working with students. This university is different in its priorities in that one of their main goals is to make sure every student graduates within 4 years. The really cool thing is that the professors are really nice people! I'm a freshman, and during my first few weeks, I was too terrified to talk to my professors. The thing I like most about the professors here at PLNU is that they will take the time to sit and chat with you after class, whether it's walking with you to your next class, to chapel, or even to lunch. They understand you have a lot on your plate, so they do everything in their willpower to make sure you are learning as much and to the best of your ability as you possibly can.
Am enjoying being here
One of the reasons why I chose to attend PLNU was because of the beautiful view. If this is one of your top choices or 1st choice (like mine was during high school), and you haven't visited the campus yet, I highly advise you do. If somehow you can't make a visit (which you REALLY should) then Google this university. It is simply gorgeous! We are right next to the beach, and I'm not just saying that!
Another reason why I love being here is that it definitely makes your faith so much stronger! The scenery makes you marvel at the beauty that has been created for you and creates this sense of peace within you that I can't even explain!
Also, everyone-and I mean EVERYONE- here is super nice! Guys open doors, students you don't even know give you a warm greeting, professors genuinely ask how you're doing. It's just a great atmosphere!
Bang for the buck
This school is definitely worth the money. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, I know this school has a lot more to offer than other schools around San Diego that I had previously looked at. And trust me, I looked at A LOT! When you show your parents how much this school costs to attend, you're parents might have a heart attack like my mom almost did. BUT DON'T WORRY!!! There are always options! Scholarships, grants, and loans. Well...hopefully not loans, but you get the idea. I knew right away I wanted to come here. You should be able to go wherever you want to go. After all, you're paying for it...or you parents are...Don't let money hold you back. I didn't, and look where I am now!
Tips for prospective students
Ok, so here are some tips for you prospective students:

1. Do your best in high school, specifically your senior year! Don't slack off and say you have the case of senioritis cuz guess what? That's not gonna cut it in college. You can kiss that A goodbye!

2. Talk to your counselor. I know you might be a little intimidated, but trust me on this one. I always touched bases with my counselor in high school. And don't ever EVER think you're counselor doesn't care because they do! They want you to succeed in high school.

3. Scholarships, scholarships, SCHOLARSHIPS!!! I can't stress this tip enough. This will be the most tiring, grueling part of getting into college, but you need to work at it. Cappex is a very good scholarship website to look at as well as many others. If you don't have crazy good writing skills don't worry--there are other scholarships for music, art, pretty much anything. You just have to look. No procrastination allowed!

4. Pick what college suits you. You'll be spending 4 or more years at that college so choose wisely. These questions should come to mind: Rural or urban? Cost? Religion? etc.

5. Do your homework. This kind of homework won't be graded of course. This is what I did, and it was the smartest thing I've ever done. I wrote all the colleges down on a piece of paper and researched them. When I came to my top 10, I put them on a tri-fold poster board, wrote them on a piece of paper, and wrote down the cost of tuition, how many people were there, for me, if it was a Christian university, etc. Then I narrowed it down from there.

6. DON'T BE LAZY!!! I'm sure you're either on Facebook or Youtube, probably on that right now as you're reading this. You're already on the internet. Google some colleges that interest you as well as scholarships! Even if you're a freshman in high school, it's never to early to start researching. The earlier the better!
Great for these types of students
PLNU is great for students who are interested in the field of nursing. This is a very popular program here because it's one of the best programs around. Plus, many of the nursing students who go to PLNU get accepted to nursing school. This university is great for students who are followers of Christ and want to build a stronger faith. If you are a beach goer, then this is the place for you! We have our own private part of Sunset Cliffs, and Ocean Beach is not that far away! This also goes for all you surfers out there!

Hope this helps! :)

Jessica from Mission Viejo, CA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at Point Loma are very loving and are willing to work with students individually if they are struggling. It's very possible for them to do this because there are so few students at Point Loma when compared to other universities. Each student is also assigned an academic advisor who helps with schedule planning and they do a great job of making sure students are learning at their highest capacity without overwhelming themselves. Furthermore, i feel that Point Loma is a very safe place to make the transition from living with parents or guardians to living on your own and making your own choices. There are plenty of ways to seek out advice and wise council on campus and you will learn a lot about yourself and the person you want to be while attending Point Loma.
Am enjoying being here
Point Loma is neatly nestled on the beautiful Sunset Cliffs of San Diego. I have a wonderful ocean view from my room and can feel and smell the ocean breeze everyday. The community is also very tight knit. I live with 26 girls on one hall and we are all close, no cattiness. There are all kinds of opportunities to get involved on campus and I have made life long friends by taking advantage of these opportunities.
Bang for the buck
Point Loma is not a cheap school by any means, but everyone I know at school has received generous amounts of financial aid. The student financial services are also easily accessible and available on campus and they are always willing to answer questions or help students find scholarships or other ways to pay for school. Furthermore, the education, friends and fun one gains by attending Point Loma are priceless.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus and set up an interview in which you plan to dress to impress. Also, actually read through Point Loma's covenant agreement which you have to sign in order to even apply to the school. It contains all of the school's policies about drinking/drugs, weapons, premarital sex on campus, class attendance, chapel attendance and student conduct in general. Read through it and make sure you are capable of and willing to play by the rules. Finally, don't go into college thinking that everything is going to be perfect and easy at Point Loma becuase it's a small Christian school, every school has it's flaws and has at least a handful of kids some refer to as bad seeds. The staff of Point Loma does their best to make the university fun, educational and enjoyable for all of their students so don't be too hard on them and remember to be thankful for all of the amazing things the school has to offer.
Great for these types of students
If you like the idea of a small school with a close and loving community, take a close look at Point Loma. Also, if you love the beach, you can't go wrong. Finally, but most importantly, if you have a love for the Lord and want to be challenged in your relationship with Him, Point Loma is a great place for that and should be at the top of your list.

cali girl

accepted here and planning to attend soon
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Very challenging school
Will enjoy being here
whats not to love, located on the cliffs of a San Diego Beach
Bang for the buck
it is quite costly but it is a great school and you can meet great Godly people there so it is worth the money
Tips for prospective students
Interviews are not mandatory but if you want to impress make an interview and dress professionally
Great for these types of students
people who love the beach (a good surf), the LORD and having fun

Michal from Huntington Beach, CA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Point Loma strives to help you succeed in all areas of your academic life. Unlike many larger public schools, PLNU's small and intimate class size allows students to engage in the the classroom activity and ask questions, thus letting the student learn to his or her full potential. I have several friends at UC schools and although they are very prestigious schools with great academic history, these bright students are having a tough time in class simply due to the fact that it is impossible to ask questions or engage in discussion with professors and classmates about the material being taught since the class sizes are in the hundreds. With PLNU's attendance policy, it urges students to attend class and therefore helps them succeed. During my first year of college I learned not only subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Psychology but I also learned how to study correctly, how to balance my time and how to truly get involved and deal with living with 30 other girls peacefully.
Am enjoying being here
I love the atmosphere at Point Loma and being next to the beach and so close to downtown San Diego along with other fun areas in San Diego definitely has its perks. Going surfing between classes is not uncommon and the weekends are full of adventure and fun. It seems there is something for everyone at Loma, and whatever scene you are looking for you can find it. Whether you are a surfer, athlete, bookworm, drama kid, outdoorsman, artist or whatever, Loma has what you need and will want. The community aspect at PLNU is very strong and extremely easy to get involved with if you simply sign up for any ministry, intramural or extra-curricular. Due to the small size you get to know the people in your major very well, which is nice because those are the people you go to when you are stressed because they understand the situation you are in. The only drawback at PLNU are the strict rules, which can feel extremely limiting at times. Yet despite the fact that I resented these rules during the beginning of the year I soon learned that these guidelines helped kept me on track and kept my grades up.
Bang for the buck
Although the tuition is pricey it is completely worth it. Compared to many other private Christian schools, it is the same price and even cheaper, and honestly no one could have a better view than the one at Point Loma. The cafeteria overlooks the ocean and many of the dorms have an ocean view as well. The smaller class size and overall enrollment of student body allows you to get the classes that you want when you want them so that you can stay on track and graduation on time. With the impact of classes at several public schools it is extremely difficult to take the classes necessary to graduate therefore students end up staying for over four years, which in the end adds up and can total the same as many private schools (graduating in 4 years) depending on which school you attend. Also, Point Loma is extremely generous in giving away scholarship money and a large percentage of the students attending have some sort of financial aid.
Tips for prospective students
1. Get involved. Point Loma offers many different ministries, clubs, intramural sports and groups that will allow students to find their way into their own little niche in Point Loma. I saw too many girls in my dorm hall not get involved and their year was not as exciting as they hoped. This year I got involved in Ministries with Mexico, an outreach ministry that travels to Mexico to help the people there through construction, medical attending and mentoring. During my spring break trip I went with a group of students to help build a church and pastor's house for a pastor in Rosarito. Not only was this trip a great experience that allowed me to help others and learn a lot about construction, but during that trip I created several close friendships that are now a large part of my life. Had I not gone outside my comfort zone and gone on that trip I would have never met those people and experienced a week full of love, hard work and joy.
2. Learn how you study best. Up until college I had just gotten by in school. I thought that studying meant doing the study guide or simply studying the night before yet little did I know, but college was completely different. Each class has its own best way of studying yet being able to identify that as soon as you can, will help you tremendously throughout the class.
3. Understand balancing your time. Although studying is extremely important and the entire reason you are in college (to get an education), having a social life is extremely important because it helps you stay sane. Friends are there to support you when it gets tough and honestly sometimes you just need to get out.
4. Branch out. Talk to the people on your hall and get to know them even if you think you usually would not hang out with someone like that, still go out and make the effort because people will surprise you.
5. Be honest with your roommate. If you have a problem, tell him or her because it makes it so much easier to live with them. But ...
Great for these types of students
Point Loma Nazarene University is great for students who are looking for a small, conservative, Christian atmosphere in which community is important. If you love the beach and adventure then PLNU is perfect for you as well. Also, Point Loma is very focused on school so if you are looking to go to more schooling after a 4-year degree (medical, dental, or any graduate schools) then this university is great for you because they push you to succeed. Overall this is an amazing school that is perfect for beach-going, God-loving and academically-focused students.

Nicole from Aliso Viejo, CA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Point Loma has one of the best atmospheres that enhances one's learning. The class ratios are low, and the professors want the best for you. There is no doubt that the administrators, faculty, and professors want you to grow not only academically, but also spiritually and even vocationally. Point Loma fosters an environment where one can grow in all three fields, as long as one applies themselves. The courses are yes hard, because it is college. However, there are tools that are provided to easily learn and help get great grades. Professors make themselves available almost anytime one needs them. I even went to a couple of my professors homes my freshman year. The tutorial center is open during the day for free tutoring. Overall, Point Loma offers everyone something that they can really enjoy and excel at, as long as one puts the effort into it.
Am enjoying being here
I could not have imagined a better place for me to be at! I love everything about Point Loma, and no I am not just talking about the view. Point Loma is located right on the beach, and is a short five minute walk to the cliffs. However, this is not the thing I love the most at Point Loma. The most appealing aspect at Point Loma is its community. The community and fellowship at Point Loma is absolutely amazing. The people there are so genuine. For the most part everyone is there because they choose to be, meaning they do not choose to drink or smoke, but instead choose to have fun by talking to friends, or having a beach day, or just watching movies together. Point Loma's community is indescribable. Anyone who walks onto Point Loma offers.
Bang for the buck
Point Loma is yes pricey; however, the low class ratios, beautiful campus, and even more compelling community makes up for the tuition. There are many scholarships that one can apply for. The Student Financial Services (SFS) is great. They are very friendly, and will work with students to find grants, scholarships, and loans that will make Point Loma more affordable.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit Point Loma. Contact the Admissions Office, and schedule a night to stay in a dorm. Get to know the amazing community that makes Point Loma great, and what a better way to do this than by being part of the community itself. Point Loma may seem strict at first glance, but it really is set up to give one freedom. Check it out before making any judgements.
Great for these types of students
This University is great for students who like to apply themselves, who like to get to know their peers and professors, but most importantly want to live a life that conveys the love that Christ has for all of us. For students who are looking for a freshman year full of partying, Point Loma is not for them, because of the rules against such acts. However, this atmosphere really provides a place for safe learning and unbelievable amount of growth in one's faith and personal life.

Female from Mission Viejo, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
PLNU is my home away from home. It is impossible to beat the supportive community, caring professors, small classes, and ocean views. This school is great for surfers and Christians wishing to grow in their faith.
Tips for prospective students
Even though the school is a bit pricey, don't let the price tag scare you away too quickly. The PLNU experience is life-changing and 100% worth any student loans you might need to take out, in my opinion.
Academic Rigor
The professors know what they're talking about, and they will challenge you to think critically about everything. Many professors have their PhD's, but their focus is on students and not getting their own research published. The school has great acceptance rates into graduate schools. PLNU is known for its business, nursing, and science, but every program is rigorous and stellar.
Dorm Life
Not for those seeking a party scene, but there is a unique sense of community and belonging in the dorms. Your dorm mates will be there for you in the best and worst times of your college career, and you will make lifelong friendships.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is being remodeled in summer of 2017, and it was already spectacular. There is food for everyone, whether you're vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or just picky. You can download the bite app to see the menu ahead of time, just search for Point Loma Nazarene University. The caf workers are super friendly. The food is buffet-style, so you can eat as much as you want! Whenever I have friends from other schools come visit, they are always impressed with the cafeteria. There's also a coffee shop called Point Break and a coffee shop called Bobby B's, both of which can be found on the Tapingo app.
What to do for fun
There's endless opportunities for fun in San Diego! The only limit is your imagination. The campus has a beach access point, so surfing is a favorite hobby for many Lomans. There's tons of cute coffee shops and restaurants in San Diego, and there's always events going on like farmers' markets, etc. On campus, there are free exercise classes, clubs, game nights, music nights with free coffee and tea ("Musoffee"), plays, music concerts, and movie nights in the beautiful Greek amphitheater. The vibe here is very chill and laid-back, so lots of people love to slow down and enjoy the outdoors while hammocking, hiking, watercolor painting, or sunbathing. Never a dull day in sunny San Diego.
Bang for the buck
The school is a bit expensive, but there are tons of scholarships. In my opinion, it's hard to beat the PLNU experience, even if it can be a stretch financially for some. They offer tons of services included in tuition, including but not limited to free shuttle services, tutoring, therapy, sessions with a dietitian, and career counseling. I'm willing to pay student loans for years because I know this school is shaping me to be a better person and to achieve the career of my dreams.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
When new students come for orientation, they attend a sand ceremony in the Greek amphitheater and each contribute a handful of sand into a box, symbolizing the mixing of each individual's experiences into the PLNU community. When students graduate in the Greek amphitheater, they each receive a vial of the sand from their freshman year orientation.
Fun fact: PLNU has the oldest Greek amphitheater in America, founded in 1901.
Great for these types of students
Surfers, Christians, lovers of adventure and the outdoors, students looking to grow spiritually and intellectually
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of clubs and intramurals, including yoga, strength training, Zumba, rugby, surfing, paddling, skating, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. There are also lots of ministries to get involved in to give back and make a difference in the community. The school has weekend getaway trips to go out and enjoy the great outdoors with fellow students.
Campus Safety
The campus is super safe. There is only one entrance by car, and it is monitored by a security booth. There are also the blue buttons all around campus that you can push if you ever feel threatened, or you can call campus security. As a female, I feel safe walking back from the library at 1 am.

Gregory from San Diego, CA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are super awesome. Especially in my department (Theology and Christian Ministry), most of the professors have PhD's and are active members in the church's in the area. Two of the professor's in the Christian Ministry department are senior pastors of local church's. Whether you are in the biology department or the nursing program, the staff are highly trained and have a passion for teaching.
Am enjoying being here
The community of living in a Christian environment is like nothing else. There is always someone here to encourage you. If you are a surfer the beach is literally a walk down the road. There is a rec room in the cafeteria and even rec rooms in the dorm halls. You really don't even have to leave campus to have a good time if you don't want to.
Bang for the buck
I wish the tuition wasn't so expensive, but you definitely will get your money's worth IF you work hard. Be prepared to work harder then you have at the community college level.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for the Cal-Grant early, as well as completing your FAFSA before the end of February. March is the date when a lot of scholarships require you have your FAFSA completed in order to be recognized which includes the Cal-Grant. I missed the Cal-Grant this year because I was a week late on completing my FAFSA.
Great for these types of students
Those who really love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kaylee

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Point Loma has a great community of people, everyone is very welcoming and friendly. The academics can be rigorous, but the teachers are so helpful and are willing to work with you. Plus, the ocean view from everywhere on campus just cannot be beat!
Tips for prospective students
Come prepared to learn. This is not a college to joke around when it comes to academics, if you put in the effort you will get a lot of the experience. Also, if you are looking for a huge night or party scene this most likely isn't the school for you since there isn't a very big one. Hince, the Nazarene in the school name kind of gives that away but you would be surprised how some people don't catch on to that. Lastly, Point Loma has a lot to offer extracurricular wise so get involved! There is literally something for everyone so it is a great way to meet people and enjoy doing things that you are passionate about.
Academic Rigor
The science majors definitely have the most rigorous academic schedules. Not trying to diss any other majors, but the science majors require a lot more time in labs and outside the classroom attentiveness.
Dorm Life
Now that they have made majority of the dorms Coed I think that will make things a little better. However, you still have to check in at the front desk to visit the opposite sex even if you are staying in the same dorm. But some people find a way to bypass that system and just go see friends. Point Loma could definitely be a little more flexible on the dorm visiting hours for the opposite sex too.
Food and Dining
What can I say, its college food on a college budget. It's not phenomenal but it could be a lot worse. I have heard that the food has gotten better with each year so I will have to find that out myself being a second year student.
What to do for fun
Well the campus is basically on the beach, so that offers a lot to do. There is an outdoor activities place on campus that allows you to rent canoes, and sign up for things like hiking, snorkeling, etc.
You can easily get on the Loma shuttle or drive to the nearby train station. From there you can pretty much go anywhere like downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Old Town, and a bunch of other places too.
Any other fun things to do is mostly up to you and what you prefer.
But there is a fun little thing called geocaching that a lot of people at Loma do. It's really fun to do and it gives you a tour of random places and neighborhoods in the San Diego area.
Bang for the buck
For the amount of tuition that they charge you definitely get a lot. The student life, clubs and activities, location, etc. The food and room size of some dorms could be a bit better for the amount of money they charge for those areas. There could be a bit of more school spirit as well, and sports are definitely not as big as at other schools. But other than that I would say it's a pretty fair trade.
Great for these types of students
-students who like to surf between classes
-students who are passionate about their majors
-students who want to join a community of people
-students who are just happy to be there overall
Clubs and Activities
Tons of clubs and activities! It's pretty hard to not find something that interests you.
Greek Life
There is no Greek Life whatsoever.
Campus Safety
It's pretty safe, Public Safety is always driving around. You will only see the random people who come to surf at the beach down by Young Hall.

Lauren from San Clemente, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would Point Loma a 95 out of 100. The school has great view, it is near the ocean, and they help kids who have autism. The one thing that concerns me though is that it has a costly tuition.
Tips for prospective students
Students, if you want a great view and want to go far away then Point Loma is the place for you. For students who have majors on their minds I suggest you go to Point Loma because they have every major except Japanese language. This school is also able to help disabled students.
Academic Rigor
You will be taking general ed classes. The classes you take and might like will have something to do with your major.
Dorm Life
Despite having little closets and sharing with a roomie, there are two desks and the bed is an extra large twin. That is what I found out.
Food and Dining
I love the food over there!! It is so good and the ice cream tastes so good I want a second serving!
What to do for fun
On weekends, if the weather is nice, go out surfing! Point Loma is just next to the beach. You can also go to the San Diego City or Sea World and watch Shamus perform tricks!