California Lutheran University vs. Marist University

Comparable Facts

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

Marist University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Marist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Marist 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 Marist University ($32,774 vs. $42,508).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 8.9% lower than at Marist University ($16,810 vs. $18,460).
• California Lutheran University is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marist University (about $4,810 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at California Lutheran University than at Marist University (about $4,810 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Marist University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 43% larger than aid received by Marist University students ($35,855 vs. $25,067).

California Lutheran University vs. Marist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marist University (1270) is 30 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming Marist University 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; Marist University 1190/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Marist University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Marist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Marist University (3.56).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Marist University (56.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 19.9% at Marist University.

California Lutheran University vs. Marist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Marist University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Marist University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 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 Marist 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 Marist University graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Marist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.