California Lutheran University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Messiah University 12:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Messiah 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 Messiah University than California Lutheran University ($29,408 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 22.1% lower than at California Lutheran University ($13,098 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 24.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $10,320 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at California Lutheran University than at Messiah University (about $10,320 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 34.9% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($35,855 vs. $26,576).

California Lutheran University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 10 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Messiah 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; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

California Lutheran University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.