About California Lutheran University
The financial picture tells a promising story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $69,340, most students pay far less through generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $26,433, and families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,414. Graduates typically leave with $21,669 in debt but earn a median salary of $68,712 ten years out. That debt-to-income ratio makes CLU a solid investment for career-focused students.
The tight-knit community shows in the numbers: a 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while 80% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Nearly 600 students compete in 22 Division III sports as the Kingsmen and Regals, creating school spirit without athletic scholarship pressure.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.0%
- Retention Rate
- 80.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,712
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $108,092 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $76,460 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $75,011 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $62,012 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,641 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,823 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $48,432 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and you'll likely see familiar faces walking between classes on the compact campus. With 22 varsity sports and 597 total athletes competing in Division III, athletic events draw crowds on weekends. The school's film program benefits from its proximity to Hollywood, while business students often intern in nearby Los Angeles. Students frequently head to Malibu beaches or Ventura for weekend adventures. The Lutheran heritage creates a welcoming atmosphere without being heavy-handed, and traditions like the annual Scandinavian Festival celebrate the school's Nordic roots while bringing the campus together.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,517 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1959
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–68°F
- July Avg
- 60°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.3%
- Women
- 53.7%
- White
- 36.5%
- Black
- 4.0%
- Hispanic
- 41.3%
- Asian
- 5.4%
- In-State Students
- 82.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.2%
Location
- Address
- Thousand Oaks, California 91360-2787
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,712
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,372
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $230/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,669
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University accepts 87% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for students with solid academic records. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1150-1320 on the SAT. This Lutheran liberal arts university attracts students seeking a close-knit community in suburban Thousand Oaks.
How much does California Lutheran University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,433 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $50,670. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $21,669 in debt. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $30,597 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,374 total students. This small Lutheran liberal arts setting allows for personalized attention and close mentorship. The university is particularly known for its strong business and film programs that benefit from small class sizes.
What are the graduation rates at California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University graduates 74% of students within six years and 73% within four years. Alumni earn a median salary of $68,712 ten years after graduation with a 93% employment rate. The school's strong business and film programs, along with its Lutheran values emphasis, help prepare students for career success.
Where is California Lutheran University located and what is campus life like?
California Lutheran University sits in Thousand Oaks, a safe suburban city in Southern California with 2,374 students. The campus houses 1,517 students and fields 22 varsity sports teams with 597 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. About 82% of students come from California, creating a strong regional community feel.
What famous alumni graduated from California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University produced notable alumni including comedian Will Ferrell, Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins, and MLB pitcher Barry Zito. Founded in 1959, this Lutheran institution has built a reputation for nurturing creative talent alongside its strong liberal arts foundation. The university's film and business programs continue to attract students interested in entertainment and entrepreneurship.
