California Lutheran University vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Calvin University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Calvin University 13:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Calvin 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 Calvin University than California Lutheran University ($25,231 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 27.9% lower than at California Lutheran University ($12,120 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 33.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $13,210 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.6% higher at California Lutheran University than at Calvin University (about $13,210 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 23.1% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($35,855 vs. $29,123).

California Lutheran University vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 30 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Calvin University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

California Lutheran University vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Calvin 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).

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $3,449 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($237 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.