Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Thousand Oaks, California |
| Online | callutheran.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Thousand Oaks, California, less than 20 miles from the Pacific Coast and within an hour's drive from Los Angeles. Established in 1959 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management, Graduate School of Education, and Graduate School of Psychology. Encompassing a 225-acre campus marked by Mediterranean-style architecture, CLU provides a picturesque setting for its diverse student body. The campus's residential options include traditional dormitories, suites, and apartment-style living, accommodating the majority of its undergraduate students. The institution maintains a moderately selective admissions process. CLU is known for its programs in business, education, psychology, and the liberal arts. While not primarily recognized for athletics, the university competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) with its teams known as the Kingsmen and Regals.
In the most recent statistical year 5,150 prospective students applied, and 4,490 were granted admission. Of those admitted 602 enrolled in the school. 3,363 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 252 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $47,500 plus fees of $512. California Lutheran University is ranked 347 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
California Lutheran University is rated within the top 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for California Lutheran University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#347 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#255 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#32 in Best Colleges in California
#22 in Best Private Colleges in California
#408 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#26 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1150/1320 |
| ACT | 26/30 |
| GPA | 3.73 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,152 |
| Other Fees | $512 |
| Room and Board | $15,490 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,151 |
| Total One Year Cost | $67,805 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 27% |
| Communication | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 8% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about California Lutheran University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110413 IPEDS survey data for California Lutheran University.
Current students may use the California Lutheran University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024