Academic Comparison between Sonoma State and California Lutheran

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

  • Sonoma 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 Sonoma State ($21,224).
  • It is harder to admit to California Lutheran than Sonoma State.
  • Sonoma State has more students with 5,891 students while California Lutheran has 3,351 students.
  • California Lutheran has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Sonoma State's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Sonoma State has more full-time faculties with 227 faculties while California Lutheran has 182 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Sonoma State Universityvs.California Lutheran University
Rohnert Park, 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$8,624
Out-Of-State$21,224
2025 Tuition & Fees$52,560
67%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$10,379Average Amount of Financial Aid$31,632
93.43 %Acceptance Rates75.67 %
8.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.05 %
-SAT Score1,270
-ACT Score26
58 %Graduation Rate70 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
79 %Retention Rate79 %
5,891Student Population3,351
227Number of Faculties182
17 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