CLU Acceptance Rate

California Lutheran University (CLU), located in Thousand Oaks, California, is a private liberal arts institution known for its personalized education and strong community focus. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), CLU reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 87.0%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process. This rate is influenced by factors such as the size of the applicant pool, which has remained relatively stable in recent years, and a growing interest from diverse student populations. The university provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and Common Data Set reports, offering prospective students a clear view of their chances of admission. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, applicants are encouraged to visit the CLU Admissions page.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 87.0% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 5,000 applicants and 4,350 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Historically, early applicants have seen slightly higher acceptance rates, estimated at around 90.0%, due to smaller applicant pools.
• International Student Rate: Specific data for international admissions is not publicly available for 2028. Based on historical trends, the rate is estimated at 80.0%, reflecting CLU’s welcoming policies for global applicants.

Over the past few years, California Lutheran University’s acceptance rate has hovered around 85-90%, indicating a stable level of selectivity compared to other regional liberal arts colleges. While the university does not exhibit the extreme competitiveness of elite institutions, there has been a slight increase in applications, particularly from international and out-of-state students, which may gradually lower acceptance rates in future cycles. Compared to peer institutions like Occidental College or Chapman University, CLU remains less selective, offering a more accessible pathway for qualified applicants. The university’s emphasis on holistic admissions, considering factors beyond test scores and GPA, also contributes to its approachable selectivity profile.