California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran)
Major Intakes
Plan your application according to these cycles.
Ranking
Excellence Recognized Worldwide
Best Value Schools West
Regional Universities West (U.S. News)
Academic Programs & Deadlines
University Overview / History
Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University is a premier selective private university located midway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. It serves over 4,000 students across a 290-acre suburban campus, offering a rich liberal arts foundation and strong career pipelines.
Foundation & Key Facts
- Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- Maintains a highly favorable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Designated as an official Hispanic-Serving Institution hosting students from over 50 countries
Location Insights (City / State)
Thousand Oaks, California – Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities of its size in America, offering a serene, suburban ecosystem ideal for academic focus.
About Fresno, California
A safe, student-centric village hosting two distinct colleges in a scenic environment.
Estimated Cost of Study (approximate values per year)
| Expense | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Tuition & Fees | $54,480 | $16,380 |
| Health Insurance | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Books | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Living | $18,230 | $15,000 |
| Total | $75,610 | $34,280 |
Career Opportunities
| Companies
& Industry Exposure
|
Job
& Employability |
| Strategic job
market placement with major localized industry giants |
Highly acclaimed
regional corporate networks with over 90% graduation outcomes |
| including Amgen
(biotech) |
serves
historically as the "Cradle of Coaches" for top-tier professional
football management. |
| Teledyne Technologies |
|
| Bank of America, and various regional
healthcare systems. |
Admission Procedure
| Admissions
& Test Prep | Language Requirements |
| Common App or Cal
Lutheran Online Portal | Graduate: TOEFL iBT: 80+ IELTS: 6.5+ Duolingo: 115+ (Varies by program) |
| $25
Application Fee | |
| Official Secondary School/University Transcripts (with
English translations) | Undergraduate: TOEFL iBT: 79 IELTS: 6.5 Duolingo: 110 Pearson (PTE): 58 |
| 1 Letter of Recommendation | |
| Personal Statement | |
| Passport Photo Page Copy |
Funding & International Student Support
| Scholarships
& Financial Aid |
Visa
Process | Additional
Requirements |
| International applicants are automatically
considered for generous Merit-Based Academic
Scholarships at the time of admission, evaluating
GPA and academic track record. |
Complete admission and submit formal financial
verification files to the university. | Official Financial Responsibility
Statement |
| No secondary application form is required. |
International Admissions office
issues the Form I-20 to the admitted student. | Current original bank statement demonstrating coverage of
first-year educational and living costs . |
| Student processes online
payment for the federal $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. | An optional video interview via
Vericant for applicants from select regions. | |
| DS-160 visa form submission
followed by scheduling an F-1 visa interview at a local U.S.
Embassy/Consulate. |
Student Testimonials
Brenden Kyle MacDonald
USACal Lu focuses on it's students. You feel well cared for there by all the faculty and the office. It's personal and because of that you get to take ownership over your education which I think is key. You can't get swallowed up in a few hundred student lecture class. You are in small class sizes with real working professionals who can give you their real life knowledge along with the lessons they are teaching. I pull from my class notes on a weekly basis and I am always going back to my studies to develop information for my work. I never thought I would feel so prepare and well learned and I am and no one can take that a way from me. I have an edge along with my passion which can propel me forward so much more than if I tried to hit the ground and run on my own. My education has given wind underneath my wings to help me fly.
Pia Jacoby
USACalifornia Lutheran University is known for its philosophy of inclusiveness. It doesn't matter your race, religion, age, gender or socioeconomic status. Small classes and individual attention from professors is the norm. The professors get to know each and every one of the students on a personal basis. The graduate program in psychology with an emphasis on counseling allows its students to join the practicum after the first year. Students are placed in the university's clinics that serve the surrounding communities and get a lot of hands-on experience with useful supervision. This non-profit private university is one of the best in the country and highly regarded for the level of its academics and student involvement.
Hillary Anderson
USAI love California Lutheran University. You truly learn all that you need to for your education. It is also a fun and enriching environment. You make friends from other countries and states that will last a life time.
Katie White
USAPros- CLU provides support in financial aid, one-on-one professor and student interactions, small classes, great help with course work and with questions and plenty of support! Cons- Constantly studying. CLU demands hard work and you must do it to succeed.
Stephanie Sullivan
USAThis is an excellent and cost effective program. A huge bonus is they can waive the GMAT if your GPA is high enough.
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