California Lutheran University

US News Rank: #16Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360Setting: Suburban

School Overview

California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA, and offers a distinctive educational experience. The university is ranked #16 in Regional Universities West (tie) by U.S. News & World Report (2026). It is also recognized as #10 in Best Value Schools. The school features a suburban setting and serves 2,297 undergraduate students. The institution maintains a 76% acceptance rate, making it welcoming to a broad range of applicants. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 1150-1330 and ACT scores of 24-31. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.7. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, ensuring personalized instruction and close mentorship. About 62% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Top fields of study at California Lutheran University include Business Administration and Management, General (15%), Psychology, General (13%), and Biology/Biological Sciences, General (7%). Those who major in Business Administration and Management, General can expect a median salary of $77,556. Annual tuition and fees are $54,480, with room and board adding approximately $17,540. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $28,284. Approximately 62% of students complete their degree within four years. The application deadline is Jan. 1.
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Academics & Admissions

  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • SAT Range: 1150-1330
  • ACT Range: 24-31
  • High School GPA: 3.7
  • Graduation Rate (4yr): 62%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:01
  • Classes Under 20: 62%
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,297
  • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree

Cost & Financial Aid

  • Tuition & Fees: $54,480
  • Food & Housing: $17,540
  • Annual Cost: $28,284
  • Avg Need-Based Aid: $44,456
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 1

Official Website

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College Rankings

Popular Majors

Business Administration and Management, General
15% of students | Avg Salary: $77,556
Psychology, General
13% of students | Avg Salary: $62,074
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
7% of students | Avg Salary: $77,378
Criminology
7% of students | Avg Salary: $57,657
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
6% of students | Avg Salary: $53,593

Online Programs Overview

California Lutheran University′s online programs are among more than 1,800 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Only regionally accredited institutions whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated. Learn more about the online programs rankings methodology.

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Cost & Enrollment

  • Tuition/Credit: $910.0
  • Online Enrollment: 103
  • Application Deadline: Rolling

Majors Rankings