California Lutheran University vs. Howard

Comparable Facts

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

Howard University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Howard Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Howard? 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 Howard ($32,774 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Lutheran University are 3% lower than at Howard University ($16,810 vs. $17,322).
• California Lutheran University is 46.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $16,750 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.8% higher at California Lutheran University than at Howard University (about $16,750 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University as at Howard University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 68.6% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($35,855 vs. $21,262).

California Lutheran University vs. Howard Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 30 points higher than at Howard (1210).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Howard University 1090/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Howard University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Howard - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Howard Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Howard (3.66).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 19.4% at Howard.

California Lutheran University vs. Howard Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• California Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Howard graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 33%)

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.