California Lutheran University vs Mount Saint Mary's University
California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, CA, and Mount Saint Mary's University is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. Mount Saint Mary's University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 76% at California Lutheran University. Mount Saint Mary's University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,413 a year against $30,109 at California Lutheran University. About 72% of students graduate at California Lutheran University, compared with 53% at Mount Saint Mary's University. Ten years after enrolling, Mount Saint Mary's University alumni earn a median of about $72,379, against $68,712 for California Lutheran University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,296
1,719
Acceptance rate
76%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1330
900–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
18–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,109
$21,413
Full cost / yr
$68,426
$66,726
In-state tuition
$52,560
$49,564
Out-of-state tuition
$52,560
$49,564
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,161
$23,849
$30k - $48k
$23,668
$13,718
$48k - $75k
$24,318
$17,876
$75k - $110k
$29,303
$30,247
Over $110k
$38,364
$18,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
53%
Freshman retention
79%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,981
$61,335
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,712
$72,379
Median debt at graduation
$21,669
$25,949
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
57%
First-generation students
35%
50%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling
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.
- Is California Lutheran University or Mount Saint Mary's University harder to get into?
- Mount Saint Mary's University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% 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, California Lutheran University or Mount Saint Mary's University?
- Mount Saint Mary's University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,413 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,109 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California Lutheran University and Mount Saint Mary's University?
- Before aid, Mount Saint Mary's University costs about $66,726 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, California Lutheran University or Mount Saint Mary's University?
- California Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,161 there, against about $23,849 at Mount Saint Mary's University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California Lutheran University or Mount Saint Mary's University?
- California Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,296 undergraduates against 1,719 at Mount Saint Mary's University.
- Does California Lutheran University or Mount Saint Mary's University have a better graduation rate?
- California Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 53% at Mount Saint Mary's University.
- Do graduates of California Lutheran University or Mount Saint Mary's University earn more?
- Mount Saint Mary's University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,379 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,712 for California Lutheran University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California Lutheran University and Mount Saint Mary's University require SAT or ACT scores?
- California Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Saint Mary's University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do California Lutheran University and Mount Saint Mary's University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1330 at California Lutheran University and 900–1110 at Mount Saint Mary's University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California Lutheran University vs Pomona CollegeCalifornia Lutheran University vs Claremont McKenna CollegeCalifornia Lutheran University vs Pitzer CollegeMount Saint Mary's University vs Pomona CollegeMount Saint Mary's University vs Claremont McKenna CollegeMount Saint Mary's University vs Pitzer College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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