Academic Comparison between CSUMB and California Lutheran

California State University-Monterey Bay and California Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CSUMB is a four-year, public school located in Seaside, CA and California Lutheran is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • CSUMB is a public and California Lutheran is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Lutheran has more expensive tuition & fees ($52,560) than CSUMB ($20,379).
  • It is harder to admit to California Lutheran than CSUMB.
  • CSUMB has more students with 7,713 students while California Lutheran has 3,351 students.
  • California Lutheran has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while CSUMB's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • CSUMB has more full-time faculties with 228 faculties while California Lutheran has 182 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Monterey Bayvs.California Lutheran University
Seaside, CaliforniaLocationThousand Oaks, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,779
Out-Of-State$20,379
2025 Tuition & Fees$52,560
69%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$11,887Average Amount of Financial Aid$31,632
97.40 %Acceptance Rates75.67 %
9.76 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.05 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score26
59 %Graduation Rate70 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
80 %Retention Rate79 %
7,713Student Population3,351
228Number of Faculties182
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services