Academic Comparison between San Francisco State and California Lutheran University

San Francisco State University and California Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Francisco State is a four-year, public school located in San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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 Francisco State ($19,304).
  • It is harder to admit to California Lutheran University than San Francisco State.
  • San Francisco State has more students with 25,282 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 Francisco State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • San Francisco State has more full-time faculties with 840 faculties while California Lutheran University has 179 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Francisco State Universityvs.California Lutheran University
San Francisco, 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$7,424
Out-Of-State$19,304
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,670
60%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$8,914Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,756
96.15 %Acceptance Rates88.88 %
10.39 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.23 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score26
54 %Graduation Rate73 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
85 %Retention Rate81 %
25,282Student Population3,615
840Number of Faculties179
19 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