California Lutheran University vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

California Lutheran University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (3,351 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Whittier College 8:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Whittier College? 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 Whittier College than California Lutheran University ($28,101 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 1.6% lower than at Whittier College ($16,810 vs. $17,082).
• California Lutheran University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whittier College (about $1,210 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at California Lutheran University than at Whittier College (about $1,210 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University as at Whittier College (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 0.9% larger than aid received by California Lutheran University students ($36,176 vs. $35,855).

California Lutheran University vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is the same as at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Whittier College (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• Whittier College has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

California Lutheran University vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Whittier College? 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 Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($237 vs. $263).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

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.