California Lutheran University vs. University of Scranton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Scranton is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (4,724 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 Scranton is in Scranton, PA (Small City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Scranton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; University of Scranton 11:1.

California Lutheran University vs. University of Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or University of Scranton? 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 University of Scranton ($32,774 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 3.3% lower than at University of Scranton ($16,810 vs. $17,380).
• University of Scranton is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $1,423 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at University of Scranton than at California Lutheran University (about $1,423 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at University of Scranton (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by University of Scranton students ($35,855 vs. $35,606).

California Lutheran University vs. University of Scranton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is the same as at University of Scranton (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at University of Scranton (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; University of Scranton 1160/1318.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; University of Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 11.3% at University of Scranton.

California Lutheran University vs. University of Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Scranton's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from University of Scranton earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than University of Scranton graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Scranton graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More University of Scranton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.