California Lutheran University vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

California Lutheran University vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Mercer? 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 Mercer University than California Lutheran University ($24,364 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 9.8% lower than at California Lutheran University ($15,156 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 24.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $10,248 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.2% higher at California Lutheran University than at Mercer University (about $10,248 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 6.1% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($35,855 vs. $33,808).

California Lutheran University vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 20 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming Mercer 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; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at California Lutheran University (3.73).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

California Lutheran University vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Mercer? 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 Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 45%)

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.