California Lutheran University vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (7,713 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

California Lutheran University vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or CSUMB? 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 State University Monterey Bay than California Lutheran University ($14,493 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 2.5% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($16,810 vs. $17,234).
• California Lutheran University is 575.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $44,781 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 157.9% higher at California Lutheran University than at California State University Monterey Bay (about $32,181 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $20,379.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at California State University Monterey Bay (99% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 194.3% larger than aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students ($35,855 vs. $12,185).

California Lutheran University vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 180 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at CSUMB (3.45).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

California Lutheran University vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and CSUMB? 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).

• California Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than California State University Monterey Bay's (38%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($14,000 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($144 vs. $237).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSUMB students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 66%)

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.