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California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA·Private·www.callutheran.edu/

At a Glance

California Lutheran University is a small private nonprofit university in Thousand Oaks, CA. Approximately 2,296 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 76% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 13 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 56/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

76%
Acceptance Rate
6,005 applications
26
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 24–31
$52,560
2024-25 Tuition
$30,109
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$16,810
Room & Board
19 meals/week
2,296
Undergraduates
Degree-seeking, all years
11%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
70%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity76% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

590650670

SAT Math

560620660

Location

Thousand Oaks, CA

Campus Identity

NCAA D3PhD Programs

California Lutheran University is a small private nonprofit university in Thousand Oaks, CA. Approximately 2,296 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 76% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 13 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 56/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

Campus Lifestyle

California Lutheran University is a 1,000–4,999, urban school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 13 miles from Nicholas Canyon Beach, CA and 55 miles from Mt. Waterman Ski Lift, LLC.

Athletics

NCAA D3

Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conf.

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Urban setting

Beach Access

13 miles

Nicholas Canyon Beach, CA

Weather

Warm Climate

61°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

California Lutheran University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mt. Waterman Ski Lift, LLC, 55 miles away. All are within 72 miles of campus.

55 mi away
69 mi away
290 skiable acres14 lifts
72 mi away
800 skiable acres4 lifts

Nearest Beach

Students at California Lutheran University are 13 miles from Nicholas Canyon Beach, CA.

Nicholas Canyon Beach, CA

Ocean access within 12.6 miles

13 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Thousand Oaks, CA

Thousand Oaks has a mild climate, with winters averaging 56°F in Dec and summers peaking around 70°F in Aug.

57°Jan57°Feb58°Mar60°Apr62°May66°Jun69°Jul70°Aug70°Sep65°Oct61°Nov56°Dec

Station: CAMARILLO Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

California Lutheran University in CA earns a composite safety score of 56/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

56/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety466369
46/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
63/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
69/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$52,560
Fees
$512
Room & Board
$16,810
Total
$69,882
App Fee: $25
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$30,109avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is California Lutheran University located?

California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA. The main campus address is 60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at California Lutheran University?

California Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 76%, making it accessible. Out of 6,005 applicants, 4,544 were admitted in the most recent year. 2,296 enrolled.

How many students attend California Lutheran University?

California Lutheran University enrolls 2,296 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

What ACT score do you need for California Lutheran University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at California Lutheran University scored between 24 and 31 on the ACT, with a median of 26. About 3% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend California Lutheran University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, California Lutheran University charges $52,560/year in tuition. Including room and board ($16,810/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $46,012/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $30,109/year — what students actually pay. Use California Lutheran University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for California Lutheran University?

The undergraduate application fee at California Lutheran University is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

What NCAA division is California Lutheran University in?

California Lutheran University competes in NCAA Division III, part of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conf.. Division III programs compete without athletic scholarships and emphasize academics alongside varsity sport.

Is California Lutheran University the right fit for me?

Whether California Lutheran University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (76% admit rate), avg net price ($30,109/year after aid), campus culture in Thousand Oaks, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh California Lutheran University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with California Lutheran University directly for the most current information.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D3
Conference
Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conf.
School Year Weather
Warm · 61°F avg
App Fee
$25
On Campus Safety Score
56/100
Nearest Airport
Point Mugu, CA (NTD) · 16 mialso OXR (19 mi), VNY (22 mi)
Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.