# California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/california-lutheran-university

California Lutheran University is a private nonprofit college in Thousand Oaks, CA with 2,296 undergraduates. It admits 76% of applicants, and admitted students average 1266 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $26,445 per year ($22,204 for families earning under $30,000). 69% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $77,620 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 76% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 5,290 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 4,702 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 590–670 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 560–660 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 24–31 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $70,795 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $26,445 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $22,204 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $19,836 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $20,665 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $24,034 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $34,186 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 2,296 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 69% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $77,620 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 (FY2024) |

## What California Lutheran University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Considered

## FAQ

**What is California Lutheran University's acceptance rate?**

California Lutheran University admits 76% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for California Lutheran University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 590–670 on SAT Reading and Writing and 560–660 on SAT Math; the average total is 1266.

**What ACT score do you need for California Lutheran University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 24–31.

**Is California Lutheran University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to California Lutheran University?**

In Fall 2023, 5,290 students applied to California Lutheran University and 4,702 were admitted; 575 enrolled.

**Does California Lutheran University consider legacy status?**

Yes. California Lutheran University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does California Lutheran University require an essay?**

California Lutheran University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does California Lutheran University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $70,795 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $26,445.

**What is California Lutheran University's graduation rate?**

69% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 110413. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology