California Lutheran University vs. Butler

Comparable Facts

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

Butler University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Butler University is in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Butler University 11:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Butler Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Butler? 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 Butler ($32,774 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Butler University are 2.3% lower than at California Lutheran University ($16,430 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Butler (about $5,000 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at California Lutheran University than at Butler University (about $5,000 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Butler University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 29% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($35,855 vs. $27,790).

California Lutheran University vs. Butler Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or Butler? 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 Butler and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 20 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming Butler students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at California Lutheran University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Butler University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Butler University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Butler - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 12.9% at Butler.

California Lutheran University vs. Butler Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Butler? 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than California Lutheran University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $57,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.