California Lutheran University vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

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

Rider University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Rider University 14:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Rider 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 Rider University than California Lutheran University ($26,506 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 2.4% lower than at Rider University ($16,810 vs. $17,230).
• California Lutheran University is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $11,440 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at California Lutheran University than at Rider University (about $11,440 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($35,855 vs. $29,294).

California Lutheran University vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 30 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at California Lutheran University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

California Lutheran University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• California Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($237 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.