About

About California Lutheran University

lutheran faith traditionmasters level programshigh acceptance ratesmall class sizes

California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, CA, known for its lutheran faith tradition, masters level programs, and high acceptance rate. With an acceptance rate of 87%, California Lutheran University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 602 students each year. California Lutheran University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1150–1320, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. California Lutheran University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $32,708 per year; the sticker price of $65,156 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California Lutheran University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

87%
Overall Accept Rate
1235
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1150 – 1320 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California Lutheran University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Cal Lutheran is a faith-rooted liberal arts school in Thousand Oaks that emphasizes community service and ethical leadership, so your essays and activities should reflect genuine engagement with those values, not just academic achievement.
Test Score Strategy
Since Cal Lutheran is test optional and your scores are below their 75th percentile, consider leaving them off your application and letting your GPA, activities, and essays carry more weight.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What California Lutheran University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$65k/yr$22.2k
30k-48k~$65k/yr$23.7k
48k-75k~$65k/yr$24.3k
75k-110k~$65k/yr$29.3k
110k+~$65k/yr$38.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

74%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$55k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,661
Undergrad Enrollment
California Lutheran University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch