California Lutheran University vs University of California-San Diego

Thousand Oaks, CA — La Jolla, CA

Metric
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Location Thousand Oaks, CA La Jolla, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 2,296 34,948
Acceptance Rate 75.7% 26.7%
SAT Average 1,266
In-State Tuition $52,560 $16,758
Out-of-State Tuition $52,560 $50,958
Avg Net Price $30,109 $12,470
Median Debt at Graduation $21,669 $15,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 71.6% 86.8%
Retention Rate 78.8% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $54,981 $65,669
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,712 $84,943
Loan Repayment Rate 122800.0% 802100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Lutheran University and University of California-San Diego compare?
California Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks, CA) has an acceptance rate of 75.7%, in-state tuition of $52,560, and median 10-year earnings of $68,712. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Lutheran University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $84,943 vs $68,712. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Lutheran University or University of California-San Diego?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-San Diego is the more affordable option at $12,470 per year versus $30,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-San Diego has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.8% vs 71.6%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025