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California Lutheran University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1120 to 1330

ACT Range24 to 31

Average GPA3.74

Acceptance Rate75.7%

Cal Lutheran is accessible, but the academic bar is still real: entering students average a 3.74 GPA, and the middle SAT range reaches 1330. If you submit scores, target the upper end, around 1330 SAT or 31 ACT. With a 75.7% admit rate, make your transcript and course choices reinforce that level.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

California Lutheran University facts and stats

Quick Facts

California Lutheran University enrolls 2,297 undergraduate students in a suburban campus setting. Cal Lutheran has a 79% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 70%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.

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Location

Thousand Oaks, CA

Undergrad Enrollment2,297

Freshman Retention79%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio13:1

Graduation Rate70%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Cal Lutheran?

Key California Lutheran University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

November 15

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

November 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Cal Lutheran, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes to improve your score or superscore, with October typically the last retake likely to arrive in time for the November 15 Early Action deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Cal Lutheran’s tuition and fees are $52,560, with 74% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $30,707, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

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Out-of-State Tuition$52,560

Tuition and Fees$52,560

Room and Board$16,810

Average Merit Award$30,707

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid74%

Average Aid Package$44,456

Average Debt at Grad$28,789

California Lutheran University's listed tuition and fees plus room and board total $69,370. Cal Lutheran reports that 74% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $44,456. Merit awards average $30,707, which can substantially reduce the billed price for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $28,789.

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