California Lutheran University vs. Roger Williams University

Comparable Facts

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

Roger Williams University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,350 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Roger Williams University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Roger Williams 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 Roger Williams University ($32,774 vs. $38,779).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 1.8% lower than at Roger Williams University ($16,810 vs. $17,112).
• California Lutheran University is 18.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Roger Williams University (about $8,142 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $44,418.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.3% higher at California Lutheran University than at Roger Williams University (about $8,142 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $44,418.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roger Williams University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 54.6% larger than aid received by Roger Williams University students ($35,855 vs. $23,192).

California Lutheran University vs. Roger Williams University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 10 points higher than at Roger Williams University (1230).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Roger Williams University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Roger Williams University 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Roger Williams University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Roger Williams University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Roger Williams University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Roger Williams University (3.43).
• Roger Williams University has a higher acceptance rate (87.7%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 13% at Roger Williams University.

California Lutheran University vs. Roger Williams University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Roger Williams 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 Roger Williams University's (59%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Roger Williams 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 $4,000 lower median loan debt than Roger Williams University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roger Williams University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Roger Williams University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.