California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, United States • Founded 1959
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1959, the California Lutheran University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Thousand Oaks (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.
Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California Lutheran University (CLU/Cal Lutheran) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Lutheran religion. California Lutheran University (CLU/Cal Lutheran) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 65-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
CLU/Cal Lutheran also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
California Lutheran University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
California Lutheran University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
Below is the academic-unit breakdown for California Lutheran University. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.
Unit 3 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Education
Programs Offered
California Lutheran University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
76 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 42 programmes
Showing 10 of 42.
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 8 programmes
How to apply to California Lutheran University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to California Lutheran University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
-
1
Research programmes at California Lutheran University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. California Lutheran University runs 76 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
-
2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to California Lutheran University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
-
3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with California Lutheran University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
-
4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.callutheran.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
-
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (805) 492 2411. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about California Lutheran University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting California Lutheran University as a study destination.
When did California Lutheran University open?
California Lutheran University traces its founding to 1959 (approximately 67 years ago).
What city is California Lutheran University in?
California Lutheran University operates from Thousand Oaks, United States.
Is California Lutheran University a public or private institution?
California Lutheran University operates as a private institution.
How big is California Lutheran University's student body?
California Lutheran University serves approximately 3,000-3,999 students.
What is California Lutheran University's religious tradition?
California Lutheran University is associated with Christian-Lutheran.
What is California Lutheran University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is California Lutheran University officially recognised?
Yes, California Lutheran University is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How do I find California Lutheran University online?
California Lutheran University's official website is www.callutheran.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against California Lutheran University, helpful for calibrating where California Lutheran University sits in the broader landscape.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Joint conference hosting among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members brings academic communities together. Students at California Lutheran University and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Lutheran
The institutions below share California Lutheran University's Christian-Lutheran tradition and operate with comparable spiritual frameworks. Spiritual frameworks shape institutional decisions on student life, curriculum, and community engagement.
Faculties at nearby universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near California Lutheran University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Clinical Psychology
Industry advisory boards on Clinical Psychology programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United States alternative to California Lutheran University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Compared with California Lutheran University
Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.