# Point Loma Nazarene University

> private Christian liberal arts college in California, US

**Wikidata**: [Q7208069](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7208069)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Loma_Nazarene_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/point-loma-nazarene-university

## Summary
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a private Christian liberal arts college located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1902, it is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and classified as a master's university with larger programs. The institution serves over 4,600 students on a highly residential campus.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1902
- **Location:** 3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, California, 92106-2899 (San Diego County)
- **Affiliation:** Church of the Nazarene; Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
- **Type:** Private not-for-profit educational institution; University
- **Enrollment:** 4,616 students (as of September 2020)
- **Faculty & Staff:** 875 employees (as of September 2020)
- **Endowment:** $61,666,559 USD (as of June 30, 2020)
- **Total Assets:** $261,446,610 USD (as of June 30, 2020)
- **Admission Rate:** 84% (as of 2020)
- **Athletics:** Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions
- **Carnegie Classification:** Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

## FAQs
### Q: Where is Point Loma Nazarene University located?
A: The university is located at 3900 Lomaland Dr in San Diego, California (ZIP 92106-2899). It is situated in San Diego County within the United States.

### Q: What is the religious affiliation of the university?
A: Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

### Q: How selective is the admissions process?
A: As of 2020, the university had an admission rate of 84%, with an admission yield rate of 22%. It is described as a "more selective" institution with a four-year, full-time enrollment profile.

## Why It Matters
Point Loma Nazarene University serves as a significant institution of higher education within the evangelical Christian community, specifically representing the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition of the Church of the Nazarene. As a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, it plays a vital role in integrating faith with academic learning across liberal arts and professional disciplines.

Financially, the university maintains a stable economic footprint, holding over $261 million in total assets and an endowment exceeding $61 million as of mid-2020. This financial base supports a robust workforce of 875 employees and an educational infrastructure for over 4,600 students. Its Carnegie Classification as a "Master's Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs" institution indicates it contributes significantly to regional education by offering advanced degrees beyond the baccalaureate level, particularly in education and the arts & sciences.

## Notable For
- **Religious Distinction:** It is a prominent educational institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene.
- **Highly Residential:** Classified as a four-year, small, and highly residential university, indicating a focus on the traditional on-campus student experience.
- **Academic Classification:** Distinguished as a "Master's College and University" with larger programs, offering balanced arts & sciences and professional education with some graduate coexistence.
- **Geographic Location:** Situated in San Diego, California, specifically identified by coordinates 32.7169, -117.251.
- **Athletic Identity:** Competes athletically as the Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions.

## Body

### History and Identity
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) was founded in 1902. It operates as a private, not-for-profit educational institution. Originally known historically by aliases such as Pacific Bible College, it has evolved into a university classified under the higher education industry.

The university maintains a strong religious identity, affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It is an active member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

### Campus and Location
The university's primary campus is located in San Diego, California.
*   **Address:** 3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, CA, 92106-2899.
*   **Coordinates:** 32.7169° N, 117.251° W.
*   **Region:** Located in San Diego County, United States.

The institution operates on a semester-based academic calendar.

### Operations and Finance
As of the 2020 fiscal and academic year, the university reported significant operational metrics:
*   **Student Body:** 4,616 students (recorded Sept. 2020).
*   **Employment:** 875 employees (recorded Sept. 2020).
*   **Financials:** The university held an endowment of $61,666,559 and total assets amounting to $261,446,610 USD as of June 30, 2020.

### Admissions and Classification
PLNU maintains an open yet selective admissions policy.
*   **Admission Rate:** 0.84 (84%) as of 2020.
*   **Yield Rate:** 0.22 (22%) as of 2020.
*   **Carnegie Classification:** The institution is classified as a "Master's Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs." Additional designations include "High Undergraduate," "Postbaccalaureate: Education-dominant, with arts & sciences," and "Balanced arts & sciences/professions, some graduate coexistence." It is noted as a "four-year, small, highly residential" institution that is "more selective, higher transfer-in."

### Athletics and Student Life
The university's athletic program is known as the **Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions**. The institution maintains a digital presence across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads under the handle `@plnu`.

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. Global LEI Index
6. GeoNames
7. Freebase Data Dumps
8. [Source](http://www.pointloma.edu)
9. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
10. GRID Release 2015-12-14
11. GRID Release 2016-12-06
12. BabelNet
13. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
14. Quora
15. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
16. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
17. National Center for Education Statistics