Overview
California Lutheran University is a accessible private four-year institution in Thousand Oaks, California. The school accepts 87.2% of applicants and enrolls 2,374 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 87.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,235
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,150–1,320
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 28
- Total Enrollment
- 2,374
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
California Lutheran University accepts applications through the Common Application with a rolling admissions policy, meaning you can apply throughout the year without a strict deadline. Submit your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and a personal statement along with your Common App.
The nursing program requires additional steps beyond the general application. You must complete prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy before starting the nursing curriculum, and the program maintains more competitive admission standards than the university overall. Apply early if nursing is your target since spots fill quickly.
Housing applications open in March for fall enrollment. On-campus living is guaranteed for first-year students, but you need to submit your housing deposit promptly after acceptance to secure your preferred residence hall. The campus sits on 290 acres in Thousand Oaks, about an hour from both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
New student orientation happens during the summer before your first semester. You'll register for classes during orientation, so research your intended major's requirements beforehand. The university operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar with a January term where you can take intensive courses, study abroad, or complete internships.
Financial aid applications require the FAFSA, and California residents should also complete the Cal Grant application. The school offers merit scholarships that don't require separate applications, awarded automatically based on your academic credentials when you apply for admission.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $26,433/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $50,670
- Students Receiving Aid
- 30%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $68,712/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 80.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Lutheran University test-optional?
California Lutheran University requires SAT or ACT scores for admission. Test scores are a required component of the application process.
What is the application deadline for California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University has rolling admissions with priority deadlines of December 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. Applications are reviewed as they are received.
Does California Lutheran University offer early decision or early action?
California Lutheran University does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through regular admission with rolling review.
What GPA do you need to transfer to California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for transfer students. Students with fewer than 30 transferable credits must also submit high school transcripts and test scores.