California Lutheran University
About California Lutheran University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, California, between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. It offers programs in business, psychology, biology, and communications, with a suburban campus in the scenic Conejo Valley.
Founded
1959
Location
Thousand Oaks, California
Students
3,350
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
75.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
69.6%
Near national average
Tuition
$52,560
Per year
Avg Net Price
$30,109
After financial aid
SAT Average
1266
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$68,712
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 15
California Lutheran University accepts the majority of applicants at 75.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1266/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
69.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.8%
4-Year Grad
68%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$12.2K
Class Size
Medium
68% of students graduate on time, and 100% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$52,560
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,810
Books & Supplies
$934
Total Cost of Attendance
$68,426
After Financial Aid
$30,109
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$22,161
Receive Grants
31.1%
Take Loans
49.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $68,426/yr, including $16,810 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $30,109.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California Lutheran University fund their education.
While in School
31.1%
Get Grants
Free money
49.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$56,619
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,669
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$230/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,669 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California Lutheran University.
Gender
54.8%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,296
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,054
Graduates
35.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
7.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 45% men). 35.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,296
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California Lutheran University fields 13 varsity teams with 615 student athletes, about 27% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
SCIAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
615
27% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
382
Men
233
Women
11
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California Lutheran Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$68,712
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$55K
147 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
100 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$34K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminology
$32K
52 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$37K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $49K at eight, and $69K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California Lutheran University
What is the acceptance rate at California Lutheran University?▾
How much does California Lutheran University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California Lutheran University?▾
How much do California Lutheran University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.