is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Some programs and units at the university are accredited by specific organizations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (School of Nursing, B.S., M.S., and D.N.P.) California Board of Registered Nursing Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (Fermanian School of Business) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Council on Social Work Education National Association of Schools of Music Rankings U.S. News & World Report 2019 ranked PLNU #9 in the Regional Universities West category out of 128 schools listed in that section. Forbes ranked PLNU as #263 in the country among all universities as of 2019 and #54 in the West. The average high school GPA for admitted freshmen in 2018 (unweighted) was 3.79, while the average SAT was 1,690/2,400. According to PayScale, the median mid-career salary of PLNU graduates in 2019 (bachelor's degrees only) was $90,100. Student life The institution has a debate team that won the National Parliamentary Debate Association championship in 2007 and met success as Sweepstakes Champions three times since 2003. PLNU has won the Christian College National Championship seven times since 1998. PLNU's resources include an honors program, career services, and study abroad opportunities. PLNU hosts numerous denominational and local community events: arts & culture gatherings, outdoor activities, and faith and ministry opportunities. Athletics The Point Loma Nazarene (PLNU) athletic teams are called the Sea Lions. The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Pacific West Conference (PacWest) since the 2012–13 academic year. They were also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the West Region of the Division I level. The Sea Lions previously competed in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1986–87 to 2011–12. Point Loma became an active member in the NCAA since the summer of 2014, which signified the conclusion of their three-year transition process from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. Point Loma competes in 11 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field and volleyball. Notable persons Notable alumni include Edward J. Blakely, educator and researcher on