California Lutheran University vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

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

Duquesne University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (8,234 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Duquesne 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 Duquesne University ($32,774 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duquesne University are 2.6% lower than at California Lutheran University ($16,374 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Duquesne University (about $3,574 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.3% higher at California Lutheran University than at Duquesne University (about $3,574 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 20.1% larger than aid received by Duquesne University students ($35,855 vs. $29,850).

California Lutheran University vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is 20 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming Duquesne University 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; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

California Lutheran University vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Duquesne University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 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 Duquesne 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 Duquesne University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.