California Lutheran University vs. Chapman

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Chapman University is in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Chapman University 12:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Chapman Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Chapman? 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 Chapman ($32,774 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 5.6% lower than at Chapman University ($16,810 vs. $17,814).
• Chapman University is 23.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $12,424 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at Chapman than at California Lutheran University (about $12,424 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Chapman University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 1.2% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($35,855 vs. $35,434).

California Lutheran University vs. Chapman Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 110 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at California Lutheran University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Chapman University 1260/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Chapman University 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Chapman - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Chapman Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Chapman (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 15.9% at Chapman.

California Lutheran University vs. Chapman Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Chapman University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $2,062 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($20,938 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($216 vs. $237).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 65%)

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.