Academic Comparison between CSUN and California Lutheran

California State University-Northridge and California Lutheran University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CSUN is a four-year, public school located in Northridge, 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.

  • CSUN 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 CSUN ($20,058).
  • It is harder to admit to California Lutheran than CSUN.
  • CSUN has more students with 38,313 students while California Lutheran has 3,351 students.
  • California Lutheran has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • CSUN has more full-time faculties with 918 faculties while California Lutheran has 182 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Northridgevs.California Lutheran University
Northridge, CaliforniaLocationThousand Oaks, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,458
Out-Of-State$20,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$52,560
73%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$11,843Average Amount of Financial Aid$31,632
93.45 %Acceptance Rates75.67 %
17.97 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.05 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score26
57 %Graduation Rate70 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
73 %Retention Rate79 %
38,313Student Population3,351
918Number of Faculties182
25 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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