Academic Comparison between San Diego State and California Lutheran

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

  • San Diego State 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 San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than California Lutheran.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while California Lutheran has 3,351 students.
  • California Lutheran has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while California Lutheran has 182 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
San Diego State California Lutheran
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.California Lutheran University
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationThousand Oaks, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees$52,560
53%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$31,632
36.19 %Acceptance Rates75.67 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.05 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score26
76 %Graduation Rate70 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
91 %Retention Rate79 %
41,137Student Population3,351
1,012Number of Faculties182
27 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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