California Lutheran University vs. Manhattan University

Comparable Facts

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

California Lutheran University is larger than Manhattan University based on total student enrollment (3,351 students vs. 3,225 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Manhattan University is in Riverdale, NY (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Manhattan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Manhattan University 15:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Manhattan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Manhattan 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 Manhattan University than California Lutheran University ($29,717 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 10.6% lower than at Manhattan University ($16,810 vs. $18,800).
• Manhattan University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $840 more per year; $53,400.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Manhattan University than at California Lutheran University (about $840 more per year; $53,400.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manhattan University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 5.2% larger than aid received by Manhattan University students ($35,855 vs. $34,078).

California Lutheran University vs. Manhattan University Admissions comparison

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

• Manhattan University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Manhattan University (1270) is 30 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Manhattan University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Manhattan University 1180/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Manhattan University 25/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Manhattan University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Manhattan University Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Manhattan University (3.63).
• Manhattan University has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 8% at Manhattan University.

California Lutheran University vs. Manhattan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Manhattan University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Manhattan University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 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 Manhattan University graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Manhattan University graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Manhattan 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.