Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Thousand Oaks, California
88.9% Acceptance Rate
California Lutheran University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
88.9%Acceptance Rate
3.73Avg GPA
1224Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$63,768Annual Cost
$68,712Grad Salary
30.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
88.9%
Avg GPA
3.73
Avg SAT
1224
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1134–1320
ACT Middle 50%
23–29
Need-Based Aid
30.2% receive Pell
California Lutheran University is a private, liberal arts university in Southern California known for its focus on academic excellence, faith integration, and service. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their potential for academic rigor, character, and community impact. The university seeks students who are ready to explore their professional and personal potential within a supportive, values-based academic community.
Prospective students should highlight their extracurricular involvement in organizations that foster leadership or service. A successful application to Cal Lutheran emphasizes the student's desire to participate in interdisciplinary study and their commitment to making a positive contribution to the campus culture. Showing how the university's specific programs align with the applicant's long-term career goals is recommended, as this demonstrates that the student has carefully researched how to make the most of the university's resources.
California Lutheran University Acceptance Rate
California Lutheran University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 88.9%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 88.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.73 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.53 – 3.72
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.28
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
California Lutheran University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for California Lutheran University is October 15 for Transfer (Spring) applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 86 days left — Transfer (Spring)
Transfer (Spring)
October 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: April 1
Transfer (Priority, Fall)
March 15
Decision by: April 30
Transfer (Regular, Fall)
June 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
California Lutheran University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at California Lutheran University is 3.73. California Lutheran University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.93-4.13 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.43 and 3.73, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
California Lutheran University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at California Lutheran University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.73, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.73 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.53 – 3.72
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.33 – 3.52
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.32
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Cal Lutheran only considers test scores submitted directly from ACT/College Board or via its own Test Score Form - self-reported scores from the Common Application or high school transcript are not considered.
- All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based and institutional scholarships up to $30,000/year, renewable annually, regardless of test-optional status.
- Presidential Scholarships (the top merit tier) require applying by the November 15 Early Action deadline and interviewing on Honors Day.
- All newly admitted out-of-state students automatically receive a $5,000/year on-campus housing grant, renewable for four years while living in residence halls - no separate application required.
- The Rigor Metric: At California Lutheran University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at California Lutheran University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on California Lutheran University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
California Lutheran University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into California Lutheran University Without SAT or ACT?
California Lutheran University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
California Lutheran University Average SAT Score: 1224
The average SAT score of the admitted students at California Lutheran University is 1224 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1224 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1224 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1320 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. California Lutheran University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1134, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at California Lutheran University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 609 | 557 | 660 |
| SAT Reading | 619 | 577 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1224 | 1134 | 1320 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1134 then you are below most of the admitted students at California Lutheran University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1320 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into California Lutheran University with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at California Lutheran University are good but the admission staff at California Lutheran University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
California Lutheran University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at California Lutheran University is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This score makes California Lutheran University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 26 |
| ACT English | 26 | 22 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 29 |
Can I get into California Lutheran University with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at California Lutheran University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at California Lutheran University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that California Lutheran University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether California Lutheran University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 29 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for California Lutheran University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
California Lutheran University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Write the "Why This Major" Essay With Named Cal Lutheran Courses and Professors - Generic Interest Statements Underperform Here
Cal Lutheran's own essay guidance explicitly warns against surface-level "I love X, so I'll major in it" writing and instead asks students to name specific courses and professors that will shape their thinking, then connect that to concrete past experience in the field. A student should research actual course titles and faculty names in their intended department before writing, and build a bridge from a specific past experience (not just an interest) to a specific future Cal Lutheran offering - this level of specificity is exactly what reviewers are trained to reward over generic enthusiasm.
Submit Self-Reported Test Scores Through Cal Lutheran's Own Portal, Not the Common App, if Testing Could Help Your Scholarship Chances
Cal Lutheran is test-optional, but explicitly states it will not consider scores self-reported through the Common Application or listed on a transcript - only scores submitted directly via ACT/College Board or through Cal Lutheran's own Test Score Form count, and admitted students who used self-reported scores must later verify them with an official score report before enrolling. A student who wants test scores considered (for merit scholarship purposes, since all applicants are automatically considered for merit awards regardless of test status) should be told explicitly to use Cal Lutheran's dedicated portal mechanism, not assume Common App self-reporting is sufficient.
Apply by the November 15 Early Action Deadline Specifically to Access the Top-Tier Presidential Scholarship and Honors Day Interview
Cal Lutheran's Presidential Scholarships - its top merit tier - are reserved for graduating seniors in the top tier of the applicant pool who apply by the November 15 Early Action deadline and are invited to campus for Honors Day, where they interview for the university's highest scholarships. Students with strong academic profiles should be told this is a hard, non-negotiable gate: applying after November 15 removes eligibility for this specific top scholarship tier, regardless of how strong the rest of the application is.
Claim the Automatic $5,000 Out-of-State Housing Grant If Living Outside California - No Separate Application Required
Every newly admitted student living outside California automatically receives $5,000 toward on-campus housing costs, split across fall and spring and renewable all four years while living in the residence halls - this is automatic consideration, not a competitive award requiring a separate application. Out-of-state families should be told to expect this line item in their financial aid offer and to factor it into their true net-cost comparison against other schools, since it substantially changes the real cost of on-campus living relative to the sticker price.
Expert Insight:
Because Cal Lutheran is test-optional and automatically considers all applicants for merit aid, students sometimes assume submitting any test score (including a Common-App self-reported one) is functionally equivalent to submitting one through the official channel - it is not, and scores reported the wrong way will simply be ignored, potentially costing a student scholarship consideration they believed they had secured.
California Lutheran University Profile
Full Name
California Lutheran University
City
Thousand Oaks
State
California
ZIP Code
91360-2787
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a California Lutheran University Degree Worth It?
Getting into California Lutheran University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. California Lutheran University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at California Lutheran University is $81,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.4%.
How much does a degree from California Lutheran University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California Lutheran University is $63,768. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California Lutheran University is much less than this.
30.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 77.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to California Lutheran University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California Lutheran University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist California Lutheran University as your choice in the form.
How much does a California Lutheran University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $68,712. An average California Lutheran University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than California Lutheran University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as California Lutheran University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Berry College | Mount Berry, GA | 1223 | 26 |
| Oglethorpe University | Atlanta, GA | 1230 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than California Lutheran University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
Degree Programs at California Lutheran University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About California Lutheran University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68,712 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $63,768 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
30.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of California Lutheran University is 88.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.73. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.43, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.43, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.33 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.73, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to California Lutheran University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1224 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1134–1320.
The application deadline for California Lutheran University is October 15 for Transfer (Spring) applicants.
The application fee for California Lutheran University is 25. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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