California Lutheran University vs. Pepperdine

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Pepperdine University is in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Pepperdine University 12:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Pepperdine Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Pepperdine? 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 Pepperdine ($32,774 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 22.7% lower than at Pepperdine University ($16,810 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 33% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $17,358 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33% higher at Pepperdine than at California Lutheran University (about $17,358 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Pepperdine University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 33.2% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($35,855 vs. $26,927).

California Lutheran University vs. Pepperdine Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 130 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at California Lutheran University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Pepperdine University 1290/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Pepperdine University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Pepperdine - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 11.6% at Pepperdine.

California Lutheran University vs. Pepperdine Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 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 Pepperdine graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.