California Lutheran University and Santa Monica College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. California Lutheran is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Thousand Oaks, CA and SMC is a four-year, public school located in Santa Monica, CA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| California Lutheran University | vs. | Santa Monica College |
|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks, California | Location | Santa Monica, California |
| Four-year, Private (not-for-profit) | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Bachelor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Associate's - Private For-profit 4-year Primarily Associate's |
| $52,560 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$1,156
Out-Of-State$10,708 |
| 97% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 52% |
| $31,632 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $4,114 |
| 75.67 % | Acceptance Rates | - |
| 11.05 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | - |
| 1,270 | SAT Score | - |
| 26 | ACT Score | - |
| 70 % | Graduation Rate | 36 % |
| 27 % | Transfer-out Rate | 15 % |
| 79 % | Retention Rate | - |
| 3,351 | Student Population | 23,453 |
| 182 | Number of Faculties | 349 |
| 13 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 27 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |