California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, California · Private Nonprofit · 75.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 71/100 · Fair Value
California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) scores 71 (Fair Value) -- a solid result for a private nonprofit university in Southern California. Median 6-year earnings of $43,700, a 7.7-year payback, 69.6% completion rate, and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.496 collectively describe a school that delivers above-average outcomes relative to its private college pricing. Median debt of $21,669 is notably low for a $52,560 sticker institution, reflecting Cal Lutheran's aid generosity. The 76.9% three-year repayment rate is adequate. Cal Lutheran is small (2,296 students) in Thousand Oaks, CA, with 75.7% admission and SAT mid-ranges of 560-660 Math and 590-670 Reading. The Ventura County/LA proximity provides access to the Southern California labor market. Accounting (28 graduates, B+, $72,696 year-one) and Computer Science (26 graduates, B, $68,398 year-one) are the strongest programs. Business Administration (147 graduates, B, $55,234 year-one) is the dominant program. Music (F-grade, DTR 1.258) and Psychology (D-grade) anchor the lower end. The 31.1% Pell rate is moderate for a private California school.
California Lutheran University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $52,560/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $52,560/yr |
| Average net price | $30,109/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $120,436 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,712 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,669 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $230 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 69.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,296 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at California Lutheran University is $52,560/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $30,109/year, or roughly $120,436 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $22,161/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $38,364/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,669 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $230 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $68,712 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,161 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,668 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,318 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,303 |
| $110,001+ | $38,364 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $22,161 per year at Cal Lutheran. Over four years, roughly $88,000. Against $43,700 median earnings and a 7.7-year payback, the financial case is workable for accounting, CS, and business students. For arts, social sciences, or general liberal arts at $22k per year, the value case is thin. Cal Lutheran serves lower-income students with moderate but not exceptional grant support relative to the $52,560 sticker.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $24,318; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $29,303. The aid taper is significant in the upper-middle range. At $29k per year for a 7.7-year payback school with decent outcomes in business and accounting, middle-income families in the Ventura County area may find regional value that offsets the cost of private pricing.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $38,364 per year. At $153,000 over four years, Cal Lutheran requires strong program selection to justify. Accounting and CS graduates at full pay have an arguable case given the LA market access and low debt levels for other students. Families primarily optimizing for financial return have better-valued California alternatives at the UC campuses.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at California Lutheran University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $76,916 | B |
| Psychology | $59,153 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $59,820 | D |
| Political Science and Government | $31,963 | C+ |
| Biology | $64,939 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,653 | C |
| International Relations | $60,243 | C |
| Accounting | $89,573 | B+ |
| Computer Science | $77,030 | B |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $60,806 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Accounting
Accounting (28 graduates) earns $72,696 year-one and $89,573 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.301 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $21,858. Accounting in the LA/Ventura County market is robust -- Big Four firms, regional firms, and corporate finance roles provide strong entry-level demand. B+ reflects strong outcomes at low debt for a private California institution.
Computer Science
Computer Science (26 graduates) earns $68,398 year-one and $77,030 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.373 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $25,500. B grade reflects solid but not exceptional CS outcomes -- the LA tech market is competitive for CS graduates from smaller private institutions versus UC campuses. Year-four of $77k is below what UCSC or UCLA CS graduates achieve, reflecting the prestige gap.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (147 graduates -- Cal Lutheran's largest program) earns $55,234 year-one and $76,916 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.421 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $23,250. B grade is accurate -- solid outcomes in the Southern California business market. The four-year trajectory to $77k reflects the typical progression for business generalists in the LA/Ventura corridor.
Psychology
Psychology (100 graduates) earns $30,918 year-one and $59,153 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.809 (ROI grade D). Median debt of $25,000 against $30,918 starting is strained. D grade is appropriate: year-one earnings do not cover debt serviceably without additional credentials. The four-year figure of $59k reflects career growth for graduates who pursue clinical training or corporate HR roles.
Music
Music (24 graduates) earns $20,650 year-one and $32,316 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 1.258 (ROI grade F). Median debt of $25,980. The F grade reflects a year-one to debt relationship that is fundamentally unfavorable. Music performance and composition careers produce highly variable earnings; the Scorecard median captures a difficult early career. Cal Lutheran's music program may offer real artistic development, but the financial case does not hold at these outcomes.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 71.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 76.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 75.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 560-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 590-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-31 |
| Enrollment | 2,296 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,794 |
Cal Lutheran admits 75.7% of applicants. SAT 560-660 Math, 590-670 Reading, ACT 24-31. The 7.7-year payback and 69.6% completion rate represent the key financial risk metrics. Students in accounting, CS, or business at the average net price of $30,109 can construct a defensible financial case. Students in arts or social sciences at higher net prices face weaker justification.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Cal Lutheran's peer set includes Art Center College of Design, Azusa Pacific, Norwich University, University of Mary, and Saint Anselm College. Among Southern California private universities, Cal Lutheran's 71 score is reasonable for a mid-sized liberal arts institution. Azusa Pacific is the most direct comparable -- both are faith-affiliated Southern California privates with similar admission profiles. Cal Lutheran's 71 versus Azusa Pacific reflects broadly similar outcomes in a shared labor market. The low median debt ($21,669 versus the $52,560 sticker) is the institutional data point that most distinguishes Cal Lutheran from higher-debt comparable private institutions.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Lutheran University (this school) | 71 | $30,109 | $68,712 |
| University of Mary | 76 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| Saint Anselm College | 74 | $34,779 | $73,371 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 71 | $22,212 | $66,677 |
| Norwich University | 71 | $22,257 | $65,575 |
| Art Center College of Design | 56 | $48,661 | $71,958 |
Who Thrives Here
Cal Lutheran admits 75.7% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 560-660 Math and 590-670 Reading, ACT 24-31. At 2,296 students, it is a small private liberal arts university with a Lutheran identity but broad student body. The 31.1% Pell rate reflects moderate lower-income access. Students drawn to Cal Lutheran for its Ventura County campus and LA labor market access, small class sizes, and business-oriented programs find reasonable value. The low median debt ($21,669) relative to sticker is the most attractive financial feature -- it reflects a school that discounts significantly from the $52,560 list price.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
California Lutheran University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $30,109 per year leads to $120,436 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $68,712 a decade out. The payback period of 7.7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 69.6% graduation rate.
Median debt of $21,669 against $68,712 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.