California Lutheran University vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than California Lutheran University ($29,325 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 5.8% lower than at California Lutheran University ($15,834 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 10.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $5,055 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at California Lutheran University than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $5,055 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($35,855 vs. $35,007).

California Lutheran University vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 10 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Jefferson (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have the same average high school GPA (3.73) as students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

California Lutheran University vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Jefferson? 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $65,000 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($12,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($129 vs. $237).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.