California Lutheran University vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Lutheran University is larger than John Paul the Great Catholic University based on total student enrollment (3,351 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); John Paul the Great Catholic University is in Escondido, CA (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. John Paul the Great Catholic University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; John Paul the Great Catholic University 15:1.

California Lutheran University vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or John Paul the Great Catholic 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 John Paul the Great Catholic University ($32,774 vs. $35,175).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Paul the Great Catholic University are 41.3% lower than at California Lutheran University ($9,868 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 73.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than John Paul the Great Catholic University (about $22,295 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $30,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.7% higher at California Lutheran University than at John Paul the Great Catholic University (about $22,295 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $30,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Paul the Great Catholic University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 111.1% larger than aid received by John Paul the Great Catholic University students ($35,855 vs. $16,982).

California Lutheran University vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or John Paul the Great Catholic 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 John Paul the Great Catholic University and California Lutheran University.

• John Paul the Great Catholic University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 120 points higher than at John Paul the Great Catholic University (1120).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at John Paul the Great Catholic University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; John Paul the Great Catholic University 975/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; John Paul the Great Catholic University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; John Paul the Great Catholic University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at John Paul the Great Catholic University (3.56).
• John Paul the Great Catholic University has a higher acceptance rate (79.6%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 43% at John Paul the Great Catholic University.

California Lutheran University vs. John Paul the Great Catholic University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and John Paul the Great Catholic 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than John Paul the Great Catholic University graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than John Paul the Great Catholic University graduates ($237 vs. $266).

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.