California Lutheran University vs. Belmont

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Belmont University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Belmont University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (8,803 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Belmont University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Belmont University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Belmont University 12:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Belmont Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Belmont? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Lutheran University than Belmont ($32,774 vs. $38,578).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belmont University are 10.7% lower than at California Lutheran University ($15,010 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 23.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Belmont (about $10,020 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $42,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at California Lutheran University than at Belmont University (about $10,020 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $42,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Belmont University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 49.4% larger than aid received by Belmont University students ($35,855 vs. $23,992).

California Lutheran University vs. Belmont Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or Belmont? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Belmont and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Belmont University (1260) is 20 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Belmont (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Belmont University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Belmont University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Belmont - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Belmont Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Belmont students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• Belmont has a higher acceptance rate (95.3%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 17.7% at Belmont.

California Lutheran University vs. Belmont Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Belmont? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Belmont University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Belmont graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $49,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Belmont University graduates have a $1,220 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($21,780 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Belmont graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($225 vs. $237).
• More Belmont graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.