Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, California Β· City: MidsizeOfficial Website β†—

#859
Nationally
#139
In California
89%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$49,880
Annual Tuition
per year
74%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
2,380
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
54/100
Good
#859 nationally
#139 in California
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes74
πŸ’°Affordability60
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment20
πŸ”¬Program Breadth63

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

California Lutheran University is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Thousand Oaks, California. With 2,380 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 89%, the institution is considered accessible. Annual tuition is $49,880, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $20,047 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%, which is good compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate89%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
5,290
Applied
4,702
Admitted
575
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading577 – 660
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math557 – 660
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)23 – 29
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$49,880/yr
Room & Board$18,670/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$69,340/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$49,880↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$20,047
$30,001 – $48,000$21,172
$48,001 – $75,000$22,688
$75,001 – $110,000$27,900
Over $110,000$37,492
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate74%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
2,380
Total Undergrads
54% F / 46% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 36%
Hispanic 41%
Black 4%
Asian 5%
Two or more 7%
International 4%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 74%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (89% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($49,880/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Net price for families earning under $30K is $20,047/yr β€” explore all aid options before applying
  • Β·Room and board costs ($18,670/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationThousand Oaks, California
SettingCity: Midsize
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$20,047
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#139
in California out of 7+ colleges
#859
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.