Academic Comparison between Chico State and California Lutheran University

California State University-Chico and California Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Chico State is a four-year, public school located in Chico, 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.

  • Chico State 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 Chico State ($19,944).
  • It is harder to admit to California Lutheran University than Chico State.
  • Chico State has more students with 14,183 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 Chico State's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • Chico State has more full-time faculties with 510 faculties while California Lutheran University has 179 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Chicovs.California Lutheran University
Chico, 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$8,064
Out-Of-State$19,944
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,670
60%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$8,953Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,756
93.72 %Acceptance Rates88.88 %
10.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.23 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score26
64 %Graduation Rate73 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
80 %Retention Rate81 %
14,183Student Population3,615
510Number of Faculties179
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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