California Lutheran University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Thousand Oaks, California with 2,296 undergraduates. It admits 76% of applicants, costs an average of $26,445 a year after grants and graduates 69% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
California Lutheran University acceptance rate and admissions
California Lutheran University admitted 76% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 590 to 670, math 560 to 660). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
California Lutheran University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Regular decision | Jan 15, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early action, Nov 15, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $25 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on California Lutheran University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
California Lutheran University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $54,480 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $17,540 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $70,795 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $26,445 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $26,445 a year after grants and scholarships, $44,350 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run California Lutheran University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
California Lutheran University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 69% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $77,620 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $21,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 27% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
California Lutheran University majors and what graduates earn
California Lutheran University awarded bachelor's degrees in 39 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from accounting ($89,573).
All 39 majors at California Lutheran University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at California Lutheran University
21 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 21 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | Master's | 74 | $100,386 | $41,000 |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 60 | $68,121 | $53,096 |
| Education | Master's | 44 | n/a | $34,166 |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 36 | $55,590 | $54,550 |
| Computer and information sciences | Master's | 29 | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | Master's | 23 | $100,712 | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 16 | $77,344 | $30,700 |
| Public administration | Master's | 16 | $81,096 | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 15 | $74,828 | $34,600 |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Professional doctorate | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 11 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Professional doctorate | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Marketing | Master's | 9 | $81,263 | n/a |
| Business analytics and operations research | Master's | 7 | $63,700 | n/a |
| Human resources | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| International business | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Management information systems | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Economics | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Public Policy Analysis | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,296 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 55% women, 45% men
- 13 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University admitted 76% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does California Lutheran University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $54,480. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $26,445 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for California Lutheran University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 590 to 670 in reading and writing and 560 to 660 in math, and 24 to 31 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is California Lutheran University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, California Lutheran University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at California Lutheran University?
69% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do California Lutheran University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $77,620 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in California · California Lutheran University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.