California State University-San Marcos and California Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA and California Lutheran is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Thousand Oaks, CA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| California State University-San Marcos | vs. | California Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| San Marcos, California | Location | Thousand Oaks, California |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Master's College and University (larger programs) |
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $52,560 |
| 63% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 97% |
| $11,025 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $31,632 |
| 95.10 % | Acceptance Rates | 75.67 % |
| 13.99 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 11.05 % |
| - | SAT Score | 1,270 |
| - | ACT Score | 26 |
| 55 % | Graduation Rate | 70 % |
| 4 % | Transfer-out Rate | 27 % |
| 79 % | Retention Rate | 79 % |
| 16,237 | Student Population | 3,351 |
| 416 | Number of Faculties | 182 |
| 24 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 13 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |