Academic Comparison between California Lutheran University and San Diego State

California Lutheran University and San Diego State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. California Lutheran University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Thousand Oaks, CA and San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • California Lutheran University is a private (not-for-profit) and San Diego State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Lutheran University has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,670) than San Diego State ($20,170).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than California Lutheran University.
  • San Diego State has more students with 37,402 students while California Lutheran University has 3,615 students.
  • California Lutheran University has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 954 faculties while California Lutheran University has 179 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Lutheran Universityvs.San Diego State University
Thousand Oaks, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$50,6702024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,290
Out-Of-State$20,170
94%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$29,756Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,114
88.88 %Acceptance Rates34.44 %
12.23 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.61 %
1,220SAT Score-
26ACT Score-
73 %Graduation Rate78 %
22 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
81 %Retention Rate89 %
3,615Student Population37,402
179Number of Faculties954
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio25 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare