Academic Comparison between San Diego State and California Lutheran University

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

  • San Diego 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 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

San Diego State Universityvs.California Lutheran University
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationThousand Oaks, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,290
Out-Of-State$20,170
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,670
61%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$8,114Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,756
34.00 %Acceptance Rates89.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.00 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score26
78 %Graduation Rate73 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
89 %Retention Rate81 %
37,402Student Population3,615
954Number of Faculties179
25 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services