California Lutheran University vs. Pacific

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,427 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Pacific University is in Forest Grove, OR (Large Suburban setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Pacific University 10:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Pacific Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Pacific? 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 Pacific ($32,774 vs. $35,235).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific University are 7.1% lower than at California Lutheran University ($15,620 vs. $16,810).
• Pacific University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $3,814 more per year; $56,374.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.3% higher at Pacific than at California Lutheran University (about $3,814 more per year; $56,374.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Pacific University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by California Lutheran University students ($37,139 vs. $35,855).

California Lutheran University vs. Pacific Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 170 points higher than at Pacific (1070).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Pacific).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Pacific University 900/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Pacific University 18/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Pacific - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Pacific Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have the same average high school GPA (3.73) as students at Pacific (3.73).
• Pacific has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 13.1% at Pacific.

California Lutheran University vs. Pacific Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Pacific? 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).

• California Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Pacific University's (61%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Pacific graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $3,156 lower median loan debt than Pacific graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,156).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pacific graduates ($237 vs. $270).
• More Pacific graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.