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California Lutheran University

60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787, USA

California Lutheran University award
California Lutheran University award
US ranking
position: 972
Tuition & fees per year: $54,480
Acceptance rate: 89.00%
Median alumni salary: $43,190
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1190 SAT, 26 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does California Lutheran University offer in terms of athletics?

California Lutheran University provides a diverse range of athletic programs that welcome student-athletes at various skill levels. The university competes primarily in NCAA Division III, emphasizing both competitive sports and academic balance. This focus allows students to pursue their athletic interests while maintaining rigorous academic commitments.

Sports offered include both men's and women's teams in a variety of disciplines such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, tennis, and baseball. In addition to these, the university supports less traditional sports like golf and cross country, providing opportunities for students with varying athletic talents and preferences.

The athletic facilities on campus are designed to support the development of student-athletes and enhance their training experience. This includes modern gymnasiums, playing fields, and fitness centers. Student support extends beyond physical resources, as the university offers coaching staff dedicated to fostering skill growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Participation in athletics at California Lutheran University encourages personal development, leadership skills, and community engagement, aligning with the institution's broader educational mission. Prospective students who value being part of a vibrant sports community can expect a balance between competition and academic life with ample chances for involvement.

What student groups and Associations are available at California Lutheran University?

California Lutheran University offers a diverse range of student organizations designed to enrich campus life and foster community engagement. Among these are student government bodies that provide leadership opportunities and a platform for student voices in university affairs.

Students interested in athletic activities can participate in recreation or club sports, which promote teamwork and physical wellness outside of formal varsity athletics. For those inclined towards service and volunteering, various service organizations are available, allowing students to contribute meaningfully to local and broader communities.

The university also supports campus ministry and other religiously affiliated groups, catering to students seeking spiritual growth and fellowship. Additionally, multicultural organizations play a significant role, offering spaces where cultural heritage and diversity are celebrated and explored.

Currently, the total number of male students involved in these organizations is recorded as 1,020 and female student participation totals 1,229, reflecting substantial engagement across the campus population.

Who studies at California Lutheran University?

California Lutheran University hosts a diverse student body with a majority of in-state students, comprising about 80% of the population. This proportion ranks in the university's top 35% nationally, reflecting a strong local enrollment. Out-of-state students make up 16%, a figure that places the university in the lower 35% compared to peers, indicating a more regionally concentrated student base. Domestic students account for 96%, also positioning the university well above average in attracting students from within the United States, while international students represent approximately 4%, reflecting a moderate level of global enrollment.

The university's entering class typically includes around 575 freshmen, a number that falls in the bottom 40% nationally for institutions of similar scale. Transfer students add roughly 185 new members, also ranking in the lower 45% percentile. Overall, new student enrollment totals about 760, which similarly situates California Lutheran University in the bottom 40% for incoming student numbers among comparable schools.

Age distribution among students highlights a largely traditional college-age undergraduate population, with the vast majority between 18 and 21 years old-954 aged 18-19 and 915 aged 20-21. Beyond these typical undergraduate ages, the university also serves a significant number of older undergraduates and graduate students, showing a broad range of educational needs. For graduate students, the largest segments are aged 22 to 29, with considerable representation up to the 50-64 age range and even a small number above 65. Such diversity in age suggests the university supports both recent high school graduates and more mature students returning to education.

Ethnically, California Lutheran University presents a balanced, if modest, level of diversity. Hispanic students form the largest ethnic group with 941 individuals, approximately half of the population, positioning the university near the national median for Hispanic representation. White students number 825, constituting another substantial portion, though in the lower 40% range nationally. African American representation is smaller, with 103 students, while Asian students total 127. Other ethnicities including Native American, Pacific Islanders, students of two or more races, and those with unreported ethnicity contribute smaller yet visible groups, reflecting moderate racial and ethnic variety within the student body.

How does student life look like at California Lutheran University?

Student life at California Lutheran University offers a blend of cultural and artistic opportunities that cater to diverse interests. The campus supports a newspaper, drama productions, a chorus, and a television outlet, providing multiple avenues for student engagement and creative expression. While the university does not have a campus band, these available activities contribute to a vibrant campus culture.

Health and well-being are supported through on-campus resources including a health clinic, psychological counseling services, and an office dedicated to veterans' affairs, emphasizing a commitment to student support. The university's campus spans 225 units in size, though the specific measurement unit is not detailed.

California Lutheran University maintains an average student-to-faculty ratio of 13, suggesting a learning environment where students can expect reasonable access to faculty members and support. The total enrollment stands at 3,351 students, a number reflective of a moderately sized student body that can still provide a personalized college experience.

What libraries are available to students at California Lutheran University?

California Lutheran University offers students access to the Pearson Library, which serves as the institution's main library facility. While the university has only one library, this resource is supported by physical facilities and provides digital access to accommodate various research and study needs. Students can make use of available study rooms within the library, enhancing the environment for focused academic work.

The library is staffed by trained personnel and operates during established hours to support student use effectively. Although all-day access is not available, students benefit from access to shared collections, broadening the range of materials they can consult for their research and coursework.

California Lutheran University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

3351

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

502

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

174 full time, 234 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

California Lutheran University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Pearson Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

California Lutheran University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

California Lutheran University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

California Lutheran University Location & Map