Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Thousand Oaks, California |
| Online | callutheran.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
California Lutheran University occupies a 225-acre campus in Thousand Oaks, California, positioned midway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in Ventura County. Founded in 1959 by the Lutheran Church, the institution's Spanish mission-style architecture reflects its Southern California setting, with the campus nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains. The private university maintains a selective undergraduate admissions process and offers programs across five academic schools, with notable strengths in business, education, and psychology. CLU provides traditional undergraduate housing through several residence halls and apartment complexes, while competing in NCAA Division III athletics as the Kingsmen and Regals. The institution also operates satellite centers in Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, and Oxnard to serve graduate and professional students.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
California Lutheran University is rated within the top 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for California Lutheran University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#359 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#260 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#31 in Best Colleges in California
#21 in Best Private Colleges in California
#256 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#21 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1134/1320 |
| ACT | 23/29 |
| GPA | 3.73 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $936 |
| Other Fees | $790 |
| Room and Board | $17,734 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,046 |
| Total One Year Cost | $73,386 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 27% |
| Communication | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110413 IPEDS survey data for California Lutheran University.
Current students may use the California Lutheran University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025