California Lutheran University vs. TCU

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Texas Christian University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (12,938 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Texas Christian University is in Fort Worth, TX (Large City setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Texas Christian University 14:1.

California Lutheran University vs. TCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or TCU? 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 TCU ($32,774 vs. $41,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Texas Christian University are 0.7% lower than at California Lutheran University ($16,700 vs. $16,810).
• Texas Christian University is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than California Lutheran University (about $9,180 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at TCU than at California Lutheran University (about $9,180 more per year; $61,740.00 vs. $52,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Texas Christian University (99% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Texas Christian University students ($35,855 vs. $34,975).

California Lutheran University vs. TCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Texas Christian University (1250) is 10 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming TCU 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; Texas Christian University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Texas Christian University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; TCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027; TCU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at TCU (3.68).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than TCU (44.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 24.7% at TCU.

California Lutheran University vs. TCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Texas Christian University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $300 more per year than TCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas Christian University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, TCU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($222 vs. $237).
• More TCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.