California Lutheran University vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

California Lutheran University vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University than California Lutheran University ($14,704 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 27% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,810 vs. $23,030).
• California Lutheran University is 502.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $43,832 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146.4% higher at California Lutheran University than at San Diego State University (about $31,232 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at San Diego State University (99% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 197.5% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($35,855 vs. $12,053).

California Lutheran University vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 40 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

California Lutheran University vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and San Diego State? 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).

• San Diego State 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 $4,500 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $7,651 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($15,349 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($158 vs. $237).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 65%)

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.