Bellarmine University vs California Lutheran University

Bellarmine University and California Lutheran University are both well-regarded institutions, but they differ in important ways. Here's how they compare across key dimensions.

Admissions: California Lutheran University is more selective with a 88.9% acceptance rate compared to Bellarmine University's 93.6%. Average SAT scores are 1208 and 1224 respectively.

Cost: Bellarmine University offers a lower average net price at $23,587, which is $2,846 less than California Lutheran University ($26,433). After financial aid, this can make a significant difference over 4 years.

Career Outcomes: Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median salary of $68,712 ten years after enrollment, which is $6,643 more than Bellarmine University graduates ($62,069).

Graduation: California Lutheran University leads with a 73.6% graduation rate, and freshman retention rates are 75.1% vs 80.6%.

Campus Size: California Lutheran University is the larger campus with 2,374 total students, while Bellarmine University has 2,286.

Bottom Line: Bellarmine University wins on affordability while California Lutheran University leads in career earnings. Your choice depends on whether upfront cost or long-term ROI matters more.