California Lutheran University vs. Umary

Comparable Facts

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

University of Mary is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,861 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Mary is in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; University of Mary 14:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Umary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Umary? 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 University of Mary than California Lutheran University ($20,156 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 44.8% lower than at California Lutheran University ($9,276 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 135.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $30,204 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.1% higher at California Lutheran University than at University of Mary (about $30,204 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University as at University of Mary (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 163.6% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($35,855 vs. $13,601).

California Lutheran University vs. Umary Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 10 points higher than at Umary (1230).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Umary).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; University of Mary 1110/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; University of Mary 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Umary - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Umary Sep 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Umary (3.37).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Umary (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 41.4% at Umary.

California Lutheran University vs. Umary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Umary? 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 University of Mary's (52%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Umary graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($232 vs. $237).
• More Umary graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.