Academic Comparison between California Lutheran University and Sonoma State

California Lutheran University and Sonoma 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 Sonoma State is a four-year, public school located in Rohnert Park, 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 Sonoma State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Lutheran University has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,670) than Sonoma State ($20,070).
  • It is harder to admit to California Lutheran University than Sonoma State.
  • Sonoma State has more students with 6,637 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 Sonoma State's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Sonoma State has more full-time faculties with 261 faculties while California Lutheran University has 179 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Lutheran Universityvs.Sonoma State University
Thousand Oaks, CaliforniaLocationRohnert Park, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$50,6702024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,190
Out-Of-State$20,070
94%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$29,756Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,841
88.88 %Acceptance Rates94.73 %
12.23 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.13 %
1,220SAT Score-
26ACT Score-
73 %Graduation Rate59 %
22 %Transfer-out Rate6 %
81 %Retention Rate76 %
3,615Student Population6,637
179Number of Faculties261
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare