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Biola University vs California Lutheran University

Biola University is a private university in La Mirada, CA, and California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, CA. Biola University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 76% at California Lutheran University. California Lutheran University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,109 a year against $31,495 at Biola University. About 72% of students graduate at California Lutheran University, compared with 68% at Biola University. Ten years after enrolling, California Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $68,712, against $56,778 for Biola University.

Biola University

La Mirada, CA · Private

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
La Mirada, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,474
2,296
Acceptance rate
74%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1370
1150–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,495
$30,109
Full cost / yr
$62,757
$68,426
In-state tuition
$48,984
$52,560
Out-of-state tuition
$48,984
$52,560
Application fee
$45
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,144
$22,161
$30k - $48k
$25,410
$23,668
$48k - $75k
$26,825
$24,318
$75k - $110k
$29,846
$29,303
Over $110k
$37,314
$38,364
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
72%
Freshman retention
84%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,752
$54,981
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,778
$68,712
Median debt at graduation
$23,875
$21,669
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
31%
First-generation students
24%
35%
International students
7%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 30
Not reported
Early action
Nov 30
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Biola University or California Lutheran University harder to get into?
Biola University is harder to get into. It admits about 74% of applicants, compared with 76% at California Lutheran University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Biola University or California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,109 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,495 at Biola University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Biola University and California Lutheran University?
Before aid, Biola University costs about $62,757 a year and California Lutheran University about $68,426. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Biola University or California Lutheran University?
California Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,161 there, against about $27,144 at Biola University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Biola University or California Lutheran University?
Biola University is the larger of the two, with about 3,474 undergraduates against 2,296 at California Lutheran University.
Does Biola University or California Lutheran University have a better graduation rate?
California Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 68% at Biola University.
Do graduates of Biola University or California Lutheran University earn more?
California Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,712 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,778 for Biola University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Biola University and California Lutheran University require SAT or ACT scores?
Biola University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Biola University and California Lutheran University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1370 at Biola University and 1150–1330 at California Lutheran University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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