California Lutheran University vs University of California-Riverside
California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, CA, and University of California-Riverside is a public university in Riverside, CA. Both admit about 76% of applicants. University of California-Riverside is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,304 a year against $30,109 at California Lutheran University. About 76% of students graduate at University of California-Riverside, compared with 72% at California Lutheran University. Ten years after enrolling, California Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $68,712, against $67,699 for University of California-Riverside.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA
Riverside, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,296
22,593
Acceptance rate
76%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1330
1080–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
22–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,109
$14,304
Full cost / yr
$68,426
$38,942
In-state tuition
$52,560
$15,606
Out-of-state tuition
$52,560
$49,806
Application fee
$25
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,161
$8,852
$30k - $48k
$23,668
$9,840
$48k - $75k
$24,318
$13,111
$75k - $110k
$29,303
$16,571
Over $110k
$38,364
$30,393
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
76%
Freshman retention
79%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,981
$48,593
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,712
$67,699
Median debt at graduation
$21,669
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
47%
First-generation students
35%
48%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Nov 30
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 University of California-Riverside harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 76% of applicants. 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 University of California-Riverside?
- University of California-Riverside is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,304 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 University of California-Riverside?
- Before aid, University of California-Riverside costs about $38,942 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 University of California-Riverside?
- University of California-Riverside. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,852 there, against about $22,161 at California Lutheran 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 University of California-Riverside?
- University of California-Riverside is the larger of the two, with about 22,593 undergraduates against 2,296 at California Lutheran University.
- Does California Lutheran University or University of California-Riverside have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Riverside has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 72% at California Lutheran University.
- Do graduates of California Lutheran University or University of California-Riverside earn more?
- California Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,712 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,699 for University of California-Riverside. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California Lutheran University and University of California-Riverside require SAT or ACT scores?
- California Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of California-Riverside is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do California Lutheran University and University of California-Riverside look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1330 at California Lutheran University and 1080–1280 at University of California-Riverside. 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 CollegeUniversity of California-Riverside vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Riverside vs University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Riverside vs University of California-Berkeley
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