California Lutheran University vs. Gannon University

Comparable Facts

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

Gannon University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,189 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Gannon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Gannon 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 Gannon University than California Lutheran University ($23,123 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gannon University are 5.1% lower than at California Lutheran University ($15,960 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 29.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gannon University (about $11,904 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $40,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.3% higher at California Lutheran University than at Gannon University (about $11,904 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $40,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Gannon University (99% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Gannon University students ($35,855 vs. $29,799).

California Lutheran University vs. Gannon University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 120 points higher than at Gannon University (1120).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Gannon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Gannon University 990/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Gannon University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Gannon University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Gannon University (3.59).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Gannon University (74.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 11.4% at Gannon University.

California Lutheran University vs. Gannon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Gannon University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Gannon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Gannon 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 Gannon University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gannon University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 67%)

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.