California Lutheran University vs. Bryant University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Bryant University in Smithfield, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Bryant University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (3,636 students vs. 3,351 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 4.1% lower than at Bryant University ($16,810 vs. $17,528).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Bryant University than at California Lutheran University (about $117 more per year; $52,677 vs. $52,560).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University as at Bryant University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by Bryant University students ($35,855 vs. $28,035).

Admissions details

• Incoming California Lutheran University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 27) as students at Bryant University (27).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both California Lutheran University and Bryant University.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Bryant University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at California Lutheran University average a 3.73 high school GPA, 0.3 higher than at Bryant University (3.43).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 13.7% at Bryant University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Bryant University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bryant University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Bryant University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation (87% vs. 70%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.