California Lutheran University vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

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

Hope College is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,395 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Hope College is in Holland, MI (Small City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Hope College 9:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Hope College? 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 Hope College than California Lutheran University ($30,700 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 23% lower than at California Lutheran University ($12,950 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hope College (about $10,590 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.2% higher at California Lutheran University than at Hope College (about $10,590 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Hope College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 43.7% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($35,855 vs. $24,945).

California Lutheran University vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 20 points higher than at Hope College (1220).
• Incoming Hope College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at California Lutheran University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Hope College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• Hope College has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

California Lutheran University vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Hope College 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.