California Lutheran University vs. Monmouth University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Monmouth University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,767 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Monmouth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Monmouth 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 Monmouth University ($32,774 vs. $34,072).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 5% lower than at Monmouth University ($16,810 vs. $17,698).
• California Lutheran University is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Monmouth University (about $6,008 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $46,552.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at California Lutheran University than at Monmouth University (about $6,008 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $46,552.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Monmouth University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 22.7% larger than aid received by Monmouth University students ($35,855 vs. $29,233).

California Lutheran University vs. Monmouth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 10 points higher than at Monmouth University (1230).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Monmouth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Monmouth University 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Monmouth University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Monmouth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Monmouth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Monmouth University (3.57).
• Monmouth University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 10% at Monmouth University.

California Lutheran University vs. Monmouth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Monmouth University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Monmouth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $56,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $3,701 lower median loan debt than Monmouth University graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,701).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Monmouth University graduates ($237 vs. $276).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Monmouth University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.