Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and California Lutheran University

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

  • Cal Poly is a public and California Lutheran University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Lutheran University has more expensive tuition & fees ($50,670) than Cal Poly ($30,995).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than California Lutheran University.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 22,000 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 Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 881 faculties while California Lutheran University has 179 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California Lutheran University
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationThousand Oaks, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,670
50%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,756
29.75 %Acceptance Rates88.88 %
27.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.23 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score26
85 %Graduation Rate73 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
94 %Retention Rate81 %
22,000Student Population3,615
881Number of Faculties179
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services