California Lutheran University vs. UT

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Tampa is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (11,433 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); The University of Tampa is in Tampa, FL (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tampa is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; The University of Tampa 17:1.

California Lutheran University vs. UT Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or UT? 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 UT ($32,774 vs. $35,679).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tampa are 13.1% lower than at California Lutheran University ($14,612 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 52.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UT (about $18,152 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $34,408.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.8% higher at California Lutheran University than at The University of Tampa (about $18,152 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $34,408.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at The University of Tampa (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 124.9% larger than aid received by The University of Tampa students ($35,855 vs. $15,945).

California Lutheran University vs. UT Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 80 points higher than at UT (1160).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at UT).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; The University of Tampa 1070/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; The University of Tampa 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; UT - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at UT (3.5).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than UT (40.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 16.6% at UT.

California Lutheran University vs. UT Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and UT? 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 The University of Tampa's (57%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than UT graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,557 lower median loan debt than UT graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,557).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UT graduates ($237 vs. $264).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UT students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 66%)

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.