California Lutheran University was founded in 1959 as a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Students thrive in an atmosphere conducive to determining their passions and identity as caring, justice-oriented citizens of the world. Students of all faiths are welcome in this diverse population where questioning and discussion of spiritual issues are an important part of the personal growth and educational process.
Mission/Vision
California Lutheran University’s mission is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence and to infuse their faith and value system into every aspect of their lives. The university’s vision is to graduate students who will exercise a positive influence and make a difference in the lives of those they encounter in their professional careers as well as in their personal lives and relationships.
Campus Setting
Nestled at the base of the mountains halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, this 225-acre campus includes wide open areas, tree-lined walkways, the peaceful Kingman’s Park, a hiking trail, and beautifully landscaped academic buildings and residence halls. Only nine miles from the beaches of Malibu and close to the Ventura 101 Freeway, students are minutes away from some of the best California has to offer.
Academics
California Lutheran University offers 36 undergraduate majors and 36 minors in areas from liberal arts to education to religious studies to math and science and everything else in between. Graduate programs include master’s degrees in psychology, education, business, public policy, and technology. Encouraging adult students already in the workforce to maximize their potential, the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program conducts evening, weekend, and online classes. But education doesn’t happen just in the classrooms. Students learn during real life experience in their fields of study, in community service work, or if they choose, a semester of study abroad.
Athletics
Students can stay in shape and engage in competition by participating in the comprehensive athletic program. California Lutheran competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) of the NCAA Division III. Athletic experiences for men (Kingsmen) and women (Regals) include many intramural and collegiate opportunities for both serious and recreational sports enthusiasts. Basketball, football, track and field, swimming, soccer, golf, tennis, and volleyball represent just a few of the team sports available.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Money does not have to be an obstacle. California Lutheran aims to make education affordable through a combination of grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages. In fact, 91% of the students receive some form of aid. Help and information on navigating the financial waters can be found by following this link to the Financial Aid Office.
Accreditation
California Lutheran University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Within the university several departments have received accreditation in their field. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has certified the Graduate School of Education. California Lutheran offers credentials to education majors through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The degree program in Financial Planning is recognized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
Admissions
California Lutheran University is proud of its students. That’s why there is a competitive admission process that accepts students with outstanding academic records combined with a record for personal excellence. Review the standards and begin the application process on the Admission page.
