Janice Lozano
California Lutheran University, also known as Cal Lutheran, is a diverse and inclusive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a strong academic reputation, the university has grown significantly since its establishment in 1959, both in terms of student population and the number of academic programs offered. So, how many students are currently enrolled at Cal Lutheran?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 3500 |
| Undergraduate students | 2400 |
| First-time undergraduate students | 770 |
| Students of colour | 476 |
| First in their families to attend college | 323 |
| International students | 62 |
| Number of Hispanic students | 327 |
| Percentage of Hispanic students | 41% |
| Number of graduate students | 1100 |
| Number of students living on campus | 1152 |
| Number of states students come from | 40 |
| Number of countries students come from | 67 |
| Number of majors offered | 36 |
| Number of minors offered | 34 |
| Number of locations | 6 |
| Campus size | 290 acres |
| Tuition fees | $52,560 |
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What You'll Learn
- California Lutheran University had 330 students when it opened in 1961
- The university's student population reached 736 in 1964
- In 2023, the university welcomed 3,500 students, including 2,400 undergraduates
- % of the 2023 undergraduate intake are first-generation students
- The university has initiatives in place to attract and retain Hispanic students
California Lutheran University had 330 students when it opened in 1961
California Lutheran University, then known as California Lutheran College, opened its doors in September 1961 with 330 students. The college was founded in 1959 on a ranch donated by Richard Pederson, the son of Norwegian immigrants, and was constructed with the help of various donations and investments.
The original $2.1 million campus first constructed a swimming pool, dormitories, administrative offices, and classrooms. The college was first accredited in 1962 by the Western Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. By 1971, the student population had grown to 1,400, and nearly half of its faculty held doctoral degrees.
The college's formal dedication was held on Reformation Sunday at the end of October 1961, with about 4,000 Lutherans in attendance. The service included a performance by the newly formed college orchestra and choir. The college's first board of governors was installed in 1957, and the board's first meeting was held in March 1958, when it was announced that the college would open in 1961.
Today, California Lutheran University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various schools and colleges. The university attracts students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and faiths, with students coming from 40 states and 67 countries. The average class size across all programs is 14, and the campus size is 290 acres.
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The university's student population reached 736 in 1964
California Lutheran University, also known as Cal Lutheran, has grown significantly since its establishment in 1959. The university welcomed its first cohort of students in September 1961, with an initial enrolment of 330 students. Within the first decade, the student population had more than quadrupled, reaching 1,400 in 1971. This growth is a testament to the university's appeal and the demand for its educational offerings.
In the fall of 1963, the university continued to expand, recording a student population of 550. However, by 1964, a significant milestone was achieved, as the university's student body reached a total of 736. This growth is remarkable, considering the relatively short time since the university's founding. The student population in 1964 consisted of individuals from diverse backgrounds, representing 24 U.S. states, as well as international students from Sweden and China.
The growth in the student population at California Lutheran University can be attributed to several factors. One factor may have been the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that extended beyond academics. In 1963, the Community Leaders Club was established to foster a closer relationship between the town and the college. This club played a vital role in bringing people together, conducting annual auctions, staging events, and providing support to athletic programs.
Additionally, the university's focus on diversity and inclusivity may have contributed to its growing student population. By 1964, the university community included individuals from various denominations, with Lutherans making up the majority at 78%. However, seventeen other faiths were also represented on campus, reflecting the university's commitment to religious diversity and creating an inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.
As of 2023, California Lutheran University has continued to thrive, welcoming approximately 3,500 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. This number includes 2,400 undergraduates, of whom 770 are first-time students. The university's dedication to diversity remains strong, with 62% of first-time undergraduates identifying as students of colour, 42% being the first in their families to attend college, and 8% being international students.
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In 2023, the university welcomed 3,500 students, including 2,400 undergraduates
California Lutheran University, also known as Cal Lutheran, welcomed 3,500 students in 2023, including 2,400 undergraduates. The university's diverse student body demonstrates its commitment to creating educational pathways for people from all backgrounds. This is reflected in the fact that, of the 770 first-time undergraduates, 62% are students of colour, 42% are first-generation college students, and 8% are international students. The university's Hispanic-Serving Institution designation by the U.S. Department of Education is further emphasised by the Hispanic population making up 327, or 42.5%, of the incoming undergraduate class. This is a significant increase from 2013, when only 25% of students identified as Hispanic.
Cal Lutheran's dedication to diversity and inclusivity is also evident in its student population representing 40 states and 67 countries, as well as a variety of faiths and cultures. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with 44 majors and 46 minors in the traditional undergraduate program. The most popular majors include business administration, psychology, biology, exercise science, and criminology and criminal justice. The university also offers graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.
The university's history dates back to 1959 when it was founded on a ranch donated by Richard Pederson, the son of Norwegian immigrants. The college first opened its doors in September 1961 with an initial enrolment of 330 students. By 1971, the university had grown significantly, with an enrolment of 1,400 students. California Lutheran University faced economic challenges in the early 1970s, with a total debt of $3,600,000. However, it persevered and continued to grow in student numbers, academic reputation, and faculty members.
Today, California Lutheran University spans 290 acres with multiple locations, including Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles), Westlake Village, Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Berkeley. The university is committed to providing a well-rounded education and has been recognised for its athletic achievements, particularly in football and baseball. The average class size across all programs is 14, fostering a personalised learning environment for its diverse student body.
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42% of the 2023 undergraduate intake are first-generation students
California Lutheran University, also known as Cal Lutheran, has a diverse student body, with students from 40 states and 67 countries, representing a variety of faiths and cultures. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a total of 44 majors and 46 minors available in the traditional undergraduate program.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, Cal Lutheran welcomed 3,500 students, including 2,400 undergraduates. Of the 770 first-time undergraduate students, an impressive 42% are first-generation college students. This means that these students are the first in their families to pursue a college education, marking a significant milestone for both the students and their families.
Being a first-generation college student comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. These students may face unique obstacles, such as navigating the complexities of the higher education system without the direct guidance of family members with personal experience. They may also have additional financial pressures or family responsibilities that can impact their educational journey. However, first-generation students bring a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to the campus, enriching the learning environment for the entire student body.
To support first-generation students, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of resources and programs. One such initiative is CHESS (Collaborative for Hispanics in Higher Education and Student Success), which has been instrumental in attracting and retaining Hispanic students. CHESS includes a mentorship program that pairs Cal Lutheran students with first- and second-year students from community colleges, fostering a supportive network for mentees as they transition to university life. The impressive 90% student retention rate of the CHESS program speaks to its success in supporting first-generation and Hispanic students.
In addition to CHESS, Project VITAL (Vocational Identity and Talent in Academic Learning) is another initiative aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion at Cal Lutheran. This project, funded by the Department of Education, focuses on improving staff and faculty understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles. By providing mentorship opportunities and creating relevant internships, Project VITAL complements the CHESS program, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment for first-generation students.
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The university has initiatives in place to attract and retain Hispanic students
California Lutheran University, or Cal Lutheran, has approximately 3,500 students enrolled, including 2,400 undergraduates and 1,100 graduate students. The university has initiatives in place to attract and retain Hispanic students, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Cal Lutheran has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizing its significant Hispanic undergraduate population, which stands at 41%, one of the largest in the country. This designation makes the university eligible for grants to benefit its growing Latino population. The university has actively worked to increase its diversity, attracting more Latino and underrepresented students, including first-generation college students.
To retain its Hispanic students, Cal Lutheran has implemented various initiatives and programs. For example, the university has increased retention and graduation rates among Latino students by providing additional support and resources for underrepresented students. One such program is CHESS (Collaborative for Hispanics in Higher Education and Student Success), which has been key to attracting and retaining Hispanic students.
As an HSI, Cal Lutheran has received federal funding, including over $11 million in grants between 2016 and 2018, to support its initiatives. The university has used these funds to better serve Latino transfer students, students pursuing STEM degrees, and those interested in becoming teachers. This includes providing tutoring and supplemental instruction in STEM disciplines and ensuring that all STEM students have access to advisers and faculty members to guide their careers.
The university's efforts to attract and retain Hispanic students align with its values of inclusivity and fostering a welcoming environment for all. With students from 40 states and 67 countries, representing diverse faiths and cultures, Cal Lutheran is committed to creating educational pathways for people from all backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are 3,500 students enrolled at Cal Lutheran University, including 2,400 undergraduates.
California Lutheran University opened its doors to 330 students in September 1961.
In the fall of 1963, the college had 550 students.
In 1964, the college reached a total of 736 students.
The student population at Cal Lutheran University is quite diverse, with students coming from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. In 2023, 62% of first-time undergraduates were students of color, 42% were the first in their families to attend college, and 8% were international students. The university has also been successful in attracting and retaining Hispanic students, with one of the largest Hispanic undergraduate populations in the country at 41%.
