California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) is a private, nonprofit university in Thousand Oaks, between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Its 225-acre main campus sits at 60 W. Olsen Road. WSCUC lists the university as actively accredited and nonprofit, with a main campus in Thousand Oaks. Students considering Cal Lutheran should compare the traditional undergraduate experience with its separate graduate and professional pathways: tuition, calendars, admission steps and aid differ by program.

Programs and the right application route

The College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate majors including business administration, biology, computer science, data science, psychology, communication, public health, film and television, music, and theater arts. The university also has schools for management, education, psychology, professional and continuing studies, and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Graduate and professional options include teacher education, counseling, clinical psychology, management, public policy and administration, and theology. This is a sample rather than a full catalog; check the current program list and confirm that the degree and delivery format fit your plans.

Traditional first-year and transfer applicants use undergraduate admission. Graduate applicants apply through the school or program they intend to enter; working adults should also review the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals, which has its own admission and tuition structure. Ask the program about prerequisites, cohort schedules, licensure requirements, field placements and whether courses meet in Thousand Oaks or at another location before paying an application fee. The general admissions phone is 805-493-3135 for undergraduate applicants and 805-493-3325 for graduate and professional applicants.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

For 2026–27, traditional undergraduate tuition is $53,650 for a full-time year of 12–18 credits per semester, before fees, housing, meals, books and personal expenses. Cal Lutheran’s published on-campus cost-of-attendance estimate is $79,295, including standard housing and a meal plan plus estimated indirect expenses; the actual bill varies by housing, meals and personal circumstances. Part-time or overload credits are charged separately. Graduate and professional tuition is program-specific, so compare the relevant school’s rate rather than using the undergraduate figure.

Traditional undergraduates are considered for academic merit scholarships when admitted, and need-based grants depend on the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Additional awards may recognize creative talent, leadership, service, alumni connections or other eligibility. The university lists Presidential and transfer awards of up to full tuition, a Visual and Performing Arts award requiring an application and audition, donor scholarships, and a Public Price Promise award for eligible California students. Award terms and deadlines vary; submit financial-aid forms promptly and ask whether a scholarship renews, stacks with other aid, or applies to a particular program. Financial Aid can be reached at 805-493-3115.

What student comments point out

Student reviews commonly describe an approachable faculty, smaller classes and a friendly campus community. Some reviewers also say the campus feels quiet or socially low-key, that a car makes local life easier, and that the price deserves careful comparison. Those experiences differ by program and student; use them as prompts for questions about class availability, advising, dining, transportation and total net price. A campus visit and a conversation with students in the intended major can make the trade-offs more concrete.

Campus and service locations

The Thousand Oaks campus is the university’s principal location and the broadest setting for undergraduate study and student services. The university’s current location page also lists Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley and the Santa Maria Center. Cal Lutheran describes additional satellite centers in its overview, but direct services and course availability vary; confirm your appointment or class location before traveling.

• Main campus: California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; general phone 805-492-2411.
• Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary: 2000 Center St., Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704; 800-235-7587.
• Santa Maria Center: 708 South Miller St., Santa Maria, CA 93454. Contact the university to verify current office services and hours before visiting.

Student Central on the Thousand Oaks campus lists weekday hours of Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with a Thursday Sacred Pause from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. These are Student Central hours, not a guarantee that every office or satellite site is open at the same times. General information is available at 805-492-2411.

Start with the undergraduate application or the appropriate graduate admission route, review the 2026–27 undergraduate cost details and scholarship and grant options, and consult the official campus locations page before planning a visit.