Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Art Center College of Design and California Lutheran University are both private nonprofit institutions — Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA and California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Pasadena, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 74.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,017
Tuition: $54,170/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 79.2%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Architecture
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pasadena, CA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Computer science.
Thousand Oaks, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 75.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,296
Tuition: $52,560/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 69.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Thousand Oaks, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
| Factor | Art Center College of Design | California Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 74.5% | 75.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1150–1330 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 24–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,017 | 2,296 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $54,170/year | $52,560/year |
| Average net price after aid | $48,661 | $30,109 |
| Graduation rate | 79.2% | 69.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $71,958 | $68,712 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Pasadena, CA | Thousand Oaks, CA |
| Largest program areas | Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Architecture | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (74.5% vs 75.7%). California Lutheran University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($30,109 vs $48,661). Art Center College of Design reports the higher graduation rate (79.2% vs 69.6%). California Lutheran University is the larger undergraduate campus (2,296 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Art Center College of Design vs Mount Saint Mary's University
74.5% vs 73.1% acceptance rate
Art Center College of Design vs Biola University
74.5% vs 74.4% acceptance rate
Art Center College of Design vs Westmont College
74.5% vs 77.0% acceptance rate
Art Center College of Design vs University of La Verne
74.5% vs 71.2% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Art Center College of Design and California Lutheran University
Art Center College of Design has an acceptance rate of 74.5%; California Lutheran University is around 75.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Art Center College of Design tuition is $54,170/year. California Lutheran University is $52,560/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool