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UNDERGRADUATE

COST & FINANCIAL AID

Sifting through financial information for college can be time-consuming and overwhelming. FAFSA, pell grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, work-study — the list goes on and on. But fear not! We’re here to help. Let us address your financial concerns, break down value and cost, and help you sort through available scholarships and aid.

Here’s what you need to know about the cost and value of a PLNU education — and the resources to help make it affordable. Parents, scroll down for our Parents & Families section for more on what to expect!

What Type of Student Are You?

I’m a High School Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior

I’m a High School Senior or Transfer Student

Here's What PLNU Costs:

$31,705 per semester 

Estimated Cost* for First Year and Transfer Students

Estimated Cost for Commuter Students: $24,545

Traditional Undergrad Cost. General Fee $475. Board $3,235. Room & Dorm Fund $4,225. Tuition $23,750.

*Tuition varies for our nursing majors. See tuition for nursing students. Room and Board fees are based on a shared room and mid-priced meal plan. Dorm Fund Fee pays for residence hall activities and laundry machines. See our Costs page for full breakdown.

View Cost Specific Details Here

BUT THAT’S THE STICKER PRICE

THE COST FOR MOST STUDENTS IS LOWER.

Average Financial Aid: $15,220 per semester
 

Financial aid includes scholarships and grants (free aid you don’t have to pay back) and loans (which you’ll pay back over time).

Our team maximizes the aid you receive. Make sure to stay up to date on important deadlines so we can help keep PLNU affordable. See our “Parents & Families” section below for your financial aid to-do list!

Why PLNU is worth it

PLNU is Invested in You as a Person

We prioritize your:

  • Academic success
  • Spiritual growth
  • Community impact
  • Career readiness

PLNU is Celebrated For Its Quality

2025 Rankings by Niche:

  • #1 Christian College in CA, #6 in U.S.
  • #3 College Locations in CA, #19 in U.S.
  • #9 in Colleges for Business, Education, Finance in CA

PLNU Grads are Successful

PLNU Graduates:

  • Have successful careers
  • Leverage San Diego Connections
  • Manage their debt successfully

For Parents and Families

Families like yours are sending students to PLNU for a life changing education. See the range:

Family Income Distribution. $0 to $39,999 14%. $40,000 to $79,999 12%. $80,000 to $119,999 12%. $120,000 to $159,999 15%. $160,000 + 47%
Student Loans & Repayment. 46% of PLNU students graduated debt free in 2024

An Investment Unlike Any Other

We know how important it is to be able to afford your college education.

That’s why we rely on financial support from alumni, donors, churches, and other organizations to keep PLNU as affordable as possible.

Financial Aid To-do List:

  • Be sure to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so you can find out what aid your family is eligible for.
  • Check out our scholarships, including:
    • Merit-based awards
    • Athletic, debate, and music scholarships
    • Diversity Leadership Scholarship 
    • Endowed awards 
    • Outside scholarships
  • Explore our work study opportunities, including on-campus employment
  • Reach out to your admissions counselor for next steps!

Speak With a Counselor

Office of Student Financial Services

Looking for additional information about financial aid, important deadlines, required forms, billing, and more?