California Lutheran University vs. North Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with North Central College in Naperville, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Lutheran University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (3,351 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); North Central College is in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; North Central College 12:1.

California Lutheran University vs. North Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or North Central College? 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 North Central College than California Lutheran University ($23,276 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central College are 12.6% lower than at California Lutheran University ($14,688 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $6,834 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at California Lutheran University than at North Central College (about $6,834 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at California Lutheran University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 5.3% larger than aid received by North Central College students ($35,855 vs. $34,056).

California Lutheran University vs. North Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or North Central College? 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 North Central College and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 60 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at North Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; North Central College 1055/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; North Central College 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; North Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 13.6% at North Central College.

California Lutheran University vs. North Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and North Central College? 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).

• The graduation rate at California Lutheran University is the same as at North Central College (64% vs. 64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.