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How to Get Into California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private nonprofit · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

California Lutheran University Admissions Statistics

76%
Acceptance Rate
590-670
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
560-660
SAT Math (mid 50%)
24-31
ACT (mid 50%)
2,296
Undergrads
70%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into California Lutheran University

The bar here is clear

California Lutheran University admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1150-1330 combined SAT or 24-31 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.

Use the Early Action round deliberately

California Lutheran University offers Early Action: non-binding and worth taking if your application is ready, an earlier answer helps you calibrate the rest of your list, and EA carries no downside beyond the earlier deadline.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where California Lutheran University fits.

California Lutheran University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Action (EA) November 15, 2025
Regular Decision (RD) January 15, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $25
Test scores Not required (test-optional)
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Required
Teacher evaluations 1

California Lutheran University Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $68,426
Tuition & fees $52,560
Room & board (on campus) $16,810
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $30,109

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $22,161
$30-48k $23,668
$48-75k $24,318
$75-110k $29,303
$110k+ $38,364
31%
Students receiving Pell Grants
50%
Students taking federal loans
79%
Freshman retention rate
13:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use California Lutheran University's Official Net Price Calculator →

More California Lutheran University Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for California Lutheran University:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at California Lutheran University, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into California Lutheran University, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon California Lutheran University's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships California Lutheran University students actually win

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