California Lutheran University vs. Drake

Comparable Facts

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

Drake University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Drake University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Drake University 11:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Drake Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Drake? 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 Drake University than California Lutheran University ($29,565 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 25.9% lower than at California Lutheran University ($12,452 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drake (about $430 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at California Lutheran University than at Drake University (about $430 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 1% larger than aid received by Drake University students ($35,855 vs. $35,498).

California Lutheran University vs. Drake Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 10 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Drake University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Drake University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Drake - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Drake (3.7).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 9.8% at Drake.

California Lutheran University vs. Drake Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.