California Lutheran University and University of California-Merced 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 UC Merced is a four-year, public school located in Merced, 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. | University of California-Merced |
|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks, California | Location | Merced, California |
| Four-year, Private (not-for-profit) | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Research University (high research activity) |
| $52,560 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$14,653
Out-Of-State$46,541 |
| 97% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 85% |
| $31,632 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $24,780 |
| 75.67 % | Acceptance Rates | 90.53 % |
| 11.05 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 7.24 % |
| 1,270 | SAT Score | - |
| 26 | ACT Score | - |
| 70 % | Graduation Rate | 69 % |
| 27 % | Transfer-out Rate | 11 % |
| 79 % | Retention Rate | 82 % |
| 3,351 | Student Population | 9,110 |
| 182 | Number of Faculties | 428 |
| 13 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 20 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare |