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Point Loma Nazarene University vs Soka University of America: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, San Diego CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Aliso Viejo CA

The verdict

Point Loma Nazarene University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $154,916 in 9.9 years versus 11 years at Soka University of America, on median earnings of $63,998 vs $55,017 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePoint Loma Nazarene UniversitySoka University of America
Net price / yr$38,729$18,260
Total net cost$154,916$73,040
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,998$55,017
Median debt$22,990$15,650
Payback9.9 yrs11 yrs
20-year net return$157,844$60,100

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Point Loma Nazarene University or Soka University of America?

Soka University of America, at $18,260 a year after aid versus $38,729 — a gap of $20,469 a year, or $81,876 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Point Loma Nazarene University or Soka University of America graduates earn more?

Point Loma Nazarene University graduates report a median $63,998 ten years after entry, $8,981 more than the $55,017 at Soka University of America. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Point Loma Nazarene University or Soka University of America?

Soka University of America: its completers carry a median $15,650 in federal loans versus $22,990 at Point Loma Nazarene University, a difference of $7,340. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

92% of students finish at Soka University of America, against 77% at Point Loma Nazarene University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Point Loma Nazarene University vs Soka University of America: frequently asked questions

Is Point Loma Nazarene University or Soka University of America a better value?
Point Loma Nazarene University. It clears its $154,916 net cost in about 9.9 years versus 11 years at Soka University of America, on median earnings of $63,998 vs $55,017 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Point Loma Nazarene University or Soka University of America?
Soka University of America: $18,260/yr net price after aid versus $38,729/yr at Point Loma Nazarene University — a difference of $20,469 a year, or about $81,876 over four years.
Do Point Loma Nazarene University or Soka University of America graduates earn more?
Point Loma Nazarene University graduates earn a median $63,998 ten years after entry, versus $55,017 at Soka University of America — a $8,981 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.