Overview of California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Thousand Oaks, California. Established in 1959 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), CLU is known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and a strong sense of values rooted in the Lutheran tradition. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, CLU offers a personalized and supportive learning environment that encourages students to explore their intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.
Academic Programs and Schools: CLU offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various schools and colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, the Graduate School of Education, and the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Undergraduate students at CLU can pursue majors in areas such as the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and the arts. The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education, fostering critical thinking, communication skills, and a global perspective.
Graduate programs at CLU cater to diverse fields, including education, psychology, business administration, and theology. The university’s commitment to advanced education aligns with its mission to prepare students for leadership roles in their respective professions.
Faith and Values: Rooted in the Lutheran tradition, CLU places a strong emphasis on fostering a values-based education. The university seeks to provide students with a foundation in ethical and moral principles, encouraging them to explore questions of faith and spirituality within an academic context.
While CLU is affiliated with the ELCA, the university welcomes students from various faith traditions and backgrounds. The commitment to values and ethics is reflected in the university’s mission statement and permeates the campus culture, creating an environment that encourages thoughtful reflection and engagement with social justice issues.
Community Engagement and Service: CLU is dedicated to community engagement and service, embodying the Lutheran tradition’s emphasis on service to others. The Center for Community Engagement at CLU facilitates opportunities for students to get involved in service-learning projects, volunteer work, and community service initiatives.
The university’s commitment to service aligns with its mission to develop socially responsible leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through partnerships with local organizations and ongoing service programs, CLU encourages students to integrate academic knowledge with practical experiences that address societal needs.
Global Perspectives and Study Abroad: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, CLU encourages students to explore international experiences through study abroad programs. These programs provide students with opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures, gain a broader worldview, and develop a deeper understanding of global issues.
The Study Abroad Center at CLU supports students in navigating international opportunities and cultural exchange programs. By participating in study abroad experiences, students enhance their cross-cultural communication skills and become more globally aware citizens.
Academic Support and Personalized Learning: CLU is committed to providing academic support and fostering personalized learning experiences. The Center for Academic Resources and Writing Center offer tutoring, workshops, and resources to assist students in their academic endeavors. The goal is to create an environment where students can thrive academically and develop the skills necessary for success in their chosen fields.
The small class sizes at CLU contribute to a more personalized learning experience, allowing students to engage with faculty members and classmates in a collaborative and supportive setting. The faculty at CLU are dedicated educators who prioritize teaching, mentorship, and the intellectual development of their students.
Campus and Facilities: CLU’s picturesque campus in Thousand Oaks provides a serene and welcoming setting for learning and community engagement. The campus features modern facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces. The Kingsmen Park and Regals Way serve as central gathering areas, fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff.
The William Rolland Art Center and the Swenson Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences exemplify CLU’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for academic and creative pursuits. The Ullman Commons serves as a hub for dining, socializing, and student activities.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities: CLU offers a range of athletic programs through its Kingsmen and Regals teams, competing in NCAA Division III sports. The university values the role of athletics in promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical well-being. The Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center provides facilities for sports, fitness activities, and intramural programs.
Extracurricular activities at CLU include student organizations, clubs, and cultural events that cater to a diverse range of interests. The university believes in providing a well-rounded college experience that extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to explore their passions and connect with like-minded individuals.
Alumni Success: CLU has a network of accomplished alumni who have excelled in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. The university’s emphasis on ethical leadership and community engagement is evident in the achievements and contributions of its graduates. The Alumni and Friends Network at CLU facilitates connections among alumni and supports ongoing engagement with the university community.
Sustainability Initiatives: CLU is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The university has implemented various initiatives, including energy-efficient practices, waste reduction programs, and sustainability-focused courses. CLU’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with its Lutheran values, reflecting a broader dedication to responsible stewardship of the environment.
Conclusion: California Lutheran University stands as a private liberal arts institution with a distinctive emphasis on values-based education, community engagement, and personalized learning. Rooted in the Lutheran tradition, CLU provides students with a supportive environment where they can explore their academic, spiritual, and personal growth. With a commitment to global perspectives, service, and ethical leadership, CLU continues to shape the educational experiences and future successes of its students in alignment with its mission and values.
60 W. Olsen Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone: (877) 258-3678
Email: CLUADM@clunet.edu
Web site: http://www.clunet.edu
Rankings: California Lutheran University
Located in Oaks, CA, California Lutheran University is one of the best universities in the state of California. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for California Lutheran University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is California Lutheran University.
California Lutheran University is a private liberal arts university located in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded in 1959 and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional and continuing education opportunities. According to U.S. News & World Report, California Lutheran University ranks at #3 in Regional Universities West category and #21 among Best Value Schools in the nation for 2021. It also ranks #8 out of all private universities in the region, while its online undergraduate programs were ranked #19 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2021. Furthermore, the school has been named one of America’s “Best Colleges” by Forbes magazine since 2009 and ranked among the top 10 “Best Value Schools” by The Princeton Review since 2012. Additionally, California Lutheran University was ranked as a “Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars” for 2020-21 by the Chronicle of Higher Education and was listed among Washington Monthly’s “National Universities” rankings for 2020-21 due to its commitment to social mobility, research, and service. The school also earned recognition from MONEY magazine for providing an excellent value for tuition dollars spent in 2019-20 and made the list of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine’s “Best College Values” for 2021-22 due to its outstanding academic quality and affordability.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 18 |
| Score: | 56 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.0 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 16 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 80.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 65.5% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 28 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 64.9% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 1.5% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 15:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 72.9% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 16 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 990-1210 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 31% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 70% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 64.8% |
| Financial resources rank: | 38 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 12 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 16.2% |
Essential Facts: California Lutheran University
- California Lutheran University’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #9.
- The average GPA at California Lutheran University is 3.68. This makes California Lutheran University Strongly Competitive for GPAs.
- California Lutheran University remained the only four-year university in Ventura County as of 1989. In 1995, CLU was the only four-year university in Ventura County.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 63% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 60% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 90% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook |