California Lutheran University vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (37,661 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 Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

California Lutheran University vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or San Jose 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 Jose State University than California Lutheran University ($13,892 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 19.8% lower than at San Jose State University ($16,810 vs. $20,971).
• California Lutheran University is 525% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $44,150 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.2% higher at California Lutheran University than at San Jose State University (about $31,550 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at San Jose State University (99% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 190.3% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($35,855 vs. $12,353).

California Lutheran University vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 110 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

California Lutheran University vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and San Jose 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).

• California Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($15,000 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($155 vs. $237).
• More San Jose State 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.