California Lutheran University vs. Bryant University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Bryant University in Smithfield, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bryant University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,636 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Bryant University is in Smithfield, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bryant University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Bryant University 13:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Bryant University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Bryant University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Lutheran University than Bryant University ($32,774 vs. $42,139).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 4.1% lower than at Bryant University ($16,810 vs. $17,528).
• Bryant University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $117 more per year; $52,677.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Bryant University than at California Lutheran University (about $117 more per year; $52,677.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University as at Bryant University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by Bryant University students ($35,855 vs. $28,035).

California Lutheran University vs. Bryant University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or Bryant University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bryant University and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bryant University (1260) is 20 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Bryant University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Bryant University 1190/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Bryant University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Bryant University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Bryant University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Bryant University (3.43).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Bryant University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 13.7% at Bryant University.

California Lutheran University vs. Bryant University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Bryant University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bryant University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Bryant University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,500 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Bryant University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bryant University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Bryant University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.