College comparison

California Lutheran University vs University of Denver

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, CA	University of Denver Denver, CO
Acceptance rateCalifornia Lutheran University is more selective	76%	78%
SAT (25–75)	1150–1330	1240–1410
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	2,296	6,025
Avg net price	$30,109	$36,131
Median earnings (10 yr)University of Denver reports higher median earnings	$68,712	$71,155
Graduation rate	70%	76%
Median debt	$21,669	$21,844
Economic mobility	1.2%	1.4%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is California Lutheran University or University of Denver harder to get into?

California Lutheran University is more selective: California Lutheran University's acceptance rate is approximately 76% and University of Denver's is approximately 78% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for California Lutheran University vs University of Denver?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1150–1330 at California Lutheran University and 1240–1410 at University of Denver. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.