Academic Comparison between UC Merced and California Lutheran University

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

  • UC Merced 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 UC Merced ($44,944).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Merced than California Lutheran University.
  • UC Merced has more students with 9,103 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 UC Merced's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UC Merced has more full-time faculties with 450 faculties while California Lutheran University has 179 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Mercedvs.California Lutheran University
Merced, 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$14,167
Out-Of-State$44,944
2024 Tuition & Fees$50,670
88%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$24,089Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,756
39.00 %Acceptance Rates89.00 %
9.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.00 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score26
67 %Graduation Rate73 %
22 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
82 %Retention Rate81 %
9,103Student Population3,615
450Number of Faculties179
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services