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California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · City · 2,296 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$30,109
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
72%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
54% typical
$68,712
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,177 typical
76%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
82% typical · not scored
Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
About

Nestled in the scenic foothills of Thousand Oaks, California Lutheran University is a premier private liberal arts institution recognized for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, and highly regarded undergraduate programs in business, communication, and the biological sciences. The campus culture is defined by an inclusive, close-knit community where students actively engage in NCAA Division III athletics, over a hundred student organizations, and a strong tradition of service learning and global citizenship. What truly sets Cal Lutheran apart is its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) that fosters a richly diverse student body, alongside a prime location that offers seamless access to both the bustling Los Angeles internship market and the outdoor adventures of the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu beaches.

Wikipedia:California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, California, United States. It was founded in 1959 and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but is nonsectarian. It opened in 1960 as California Lutheran College and was the first four-year private college in Ventura County. It changed its name to California Lutheran University on January 1, 1986.

Location
Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360-2787 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
LAX · Los Angeles
33 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$52,560
Housing & food (on campus)$16,810
Books & supplies$934
Cost of attendance$68,426
Average net price$30,109
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$52,560
Housing & food (on campus)$16,810
Books & supplies$934
Cost of attendance$68,426
Average net price$30,109
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$22,161
$30–48k
$23,668
$48–75k
$24,318
$75–110k
$29,303
$110k+
$38,364
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
72%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
62%
Back for yr 2
79%
Transferred
25%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
73% graduated · 23% transferred · 3% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$54,981
10 yrs after entry$68,712
Debt
Median at graduation$21,669
Monthly payment$230
Middle 50% owe$8.8k–$27k
90th percentile$34,000
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (larger programs): 54% graduate within 6 yrs, $55,177 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
76%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1266
R 590–670 · M 560–660
ACT midpoint
26
Comp 24–31 · E 24–30 · M 22–26
SAT middle 50%: 1150–1330
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If California Lutheran University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 45%Women 55%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
31%
First-gen
35%
Family income
$56,619
Independent
22%
Age at entry
22.0
Part-time
2%
Race & ethnicity
White
36%
Hispanic
41%
Black
4%
Asian
6%
Two or more
6%
Non-resident
4%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
  • Water Polo
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$54,981
After 10 yrs
$68,712
Business Administration, Management and Operations147
Psychology, General100
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness62
Criminology52
Biology, General46
Communication and Media Studies43
Political Science and Government31
Fine and Studio Arts30
Accounting and Related Services28
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics27
Computer Science26
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication24
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities24
Music24
Natural Resources Conservation and Research16
Sociology16
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$145M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$10,794/mo
Teaching spend
$12,168
per student
Federal loans
50%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (larger programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if California Lutheran University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
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Scholarship search