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California Lutheran University and Westmont College are both private nonprofit institutions — California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, 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.
Santa Barbara, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,302
Tuition: $53,584/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 70.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Santa Barbara, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | California Lutheran University | Westmont College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 75.7% | 77.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1150–1330 |
| 1240–1450 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–31 | 25–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,296 | 1,302 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,560/year | $53,584/year |
| Average net price after aid | $30,109 | $29,053 |
| Graduation rate | 69.6% | 70.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,712 | $64,778 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Thousand Oaks, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (75.7% vs 77.0%). Westmont College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($29,053 vs $30,109). Both report a similar graduation rate (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.
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Common questions when choosing between California Lutheran University and Westmont College
California Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 75.7%; Westmont College is around 77.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California Lutheran University tuition is $52,560/year. Westmont College is $53,584/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.
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