At $26,433/yr net price, California Lutheran University graduates earn $68,712/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,712/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,433 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,712/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,712/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,669 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,414/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,518/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,759/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,547/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,409/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $108,092 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $75,011 | $26,486 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $62,012 | $14,600 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $21,750 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,641 | $51,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $22,078 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $23,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
74.0% of students at California Lutheran University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
California Lutheran University delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $68,712 ten years after graduation and manageable debt loads averaging $21,669. The numbers work particularly well if you target the right programs.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Finance majors also perform well at $76,460, making CLU a smart choice for business-minded students. Special Education offers strong job security with $62,012 earnings and lower debt at just $14,600, reflecting the program's efficiency and regional demand for qualified teachers.
Computer Science presents mixed results at $57,995 with average debt, suggesting you might find better tech opportunities at other schools. The 74% graduation rate signals some students struggle to complete their programs, creating financial risk if you don't finish.
CLU works best for students planning careers in education or business who value smaller class sizes and can benefit from the Thousand Oaks location's proximity to Los Angeles job markets. The private school premium pays off through strong alumni networks in these fields.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, meaning most families pay close to the full $26,433 net price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widespread enough to significantly reduce costs for most applicants.
Skip CLU if you need substantial financial aid, want to study tech fields where other schools offer better value, or can't afford the risk of not graduating. The school serves students well when program choice aligns with career goals, but the limited aid and selective strong programs make it financially viable only for specific situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Lutheran University worth the cost?
California Lutheran University graduates earn a median of $68,712 ten years after graduation, which is modest compared to the $26,433 annual net price. The return on investment depends heavily on your major, with educational administration programs offering significantly better earning potential than most other fields.
What are the highest paying majors at California Lutheran University?
Educational administration graduates from California Lutheran University earn around $108,092, while finance majors average $76,460. Computer science graduates earn considerably less at $57,995, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do California Lutheran University students typically graduate with?
California Lutheran University graduates carry a median debt of $21,669, which is manageable compared to many private schools. With average post-graduation earnings of $68,712, most graduates can handle this debt load reasonably well.
Does California Lutheran University have good graduation rates?
California Lutheran University has a 74% graduation rate, which is solid but not exceptional for a private school. The 87% acceptance rate suggests less selective admissions, which can correlate with lower completion rates.