Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
California Lutheran University and Art Center College of Design are both private nonprofit institutions — California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | California Lutheran University | Art Center College of Design |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 75.7% | 74.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1150–1330 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–31 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,296 | 2,017 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,560/year | $54,170/year |
| Average net price after aid | $30,109 | $48,661 |
| Graduation rate | 69.6% | 79.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,712 | $71,958 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Thousand Oaks, CA | Pasadena, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences | Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Architecture |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (75.7% vs 74.5%). 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.
California Lutheran University vs Biola University
75.7% vs 74.4% acceptance rate
California Lutheran University vs Mount Saint Mary's University
75.7% vs 73.1% acceptance rate
California Lutheran University vs Westmont College
75.7% vs 77.0% acceptance rate
California Lutheran University vs University of La Verne
75.7% vs 71.2% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between California Lutheran University and Art Center College of Design
California Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 75.7%; Art Center College of Design is around 74.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California Lutheran University tuition is $52,560/year. Art Center College of Design is $54,170/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