A Vibrant Community: Student Population At Cal Lutheran University

California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts institution based in Thousand Oaks, California. Founded in 1959, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,377 as of Fall 2023. The university's student body is diverse, with students from 40 states and 59 countries, representing a variety of faiths and cultures. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to creating educational pathways for people from all backgrounds.

Student demographics

California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts institution based in Thousand Oaks, California. The university is committed to creating educational pathways for people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Here is an overview of the student demographics at Cal Lutheran:

Racial and Ethnic Diversity:

Cal Lutheran has a diverse student population, with a significant proportion of students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. The university has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, reflecting its success in attracting and supporting Hispanic students. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 41% of the undergraduate student body identified as Hispanic, making it one of the largest Hispanic undergraduate populations in the country. Additionally, 6.7% of the student body were international students, representing 59 countries worldwide. The university also has a notable population of Norwegian students, with Norway being one of the top countries of origin for international students.

First-Generation College Students:

Cal Lutheran welcomes a significant number of first-generation college students, with 42% of first-time undergraduate students in the 2023-2024 academic year being the first in their families to pursue a college education. The university is committed to supporting these students and providing educational opportunities for all.

Gender Diversity:

As of 2011, Cal Lutheran's student body comprised 62% female and 38% male students, indicating a relatively balanced gender distribution. However, this distribution may vary across different programs and departments.

Religious Diversity:

While Cal Lutheran is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, it welcomes students from all faith backgrounds. The university community includes students from a diverse range of religious affiliations, and "other Christians" have outnumbered Lutherans in the student body since the 1978-1979 academic year. The university also has a significant Jewish population, with 150 Jewish students as of 2016, and a campus ministry that includes a Rabbi who participates in weekly chapel services.

Geographic Diversity:

Cal Lutheran attracts students from across the United States, with 80% of the student body coming from California and the remaining 20% representing 43 other U.S. states and territories. The university also has a global reach, with international students comprising 6.7% of the student body and students coming from 59 countries worldwide.

Undergraduate enrollment

California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts institution based in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded in 1959 and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates.

As of fall 2023, CLU has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,377 students. The university's undergraduate population includes a growing Hispanic population, with Hispanic students making up about 41% of the undergraduate body. The diversity of the student body reflects the university's commitment to creating educational opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

CLU offers 46 majors and 49 minors in its traditional undergraduate program. Additionally, the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program offers degrees in six majors. The average class size across all programs is 14, and the student-faculty ratio is 15:1.

The university's undergraduate enrollment includes a significant number of first-generation college students, with 42% of first-time undergraduates being the first in their families to pursue higher education. The university also attracts international students, with 8% of first-time undergraduates coming from other countries.

CLU's undergraduate programs provide a well-rounded educational experience, with small class sizes and a variety of extracurricular activities. The university has a strong focus on research and internships, with over half of the undergraduate students participating in internships during their time at CLU. The university also offers special academic programs such as honours programs, study abroad opportunities, and cooperative education.

Housing is guaranteed for all four years for students who choose to live on campus. The university has a range of residence halls and apartments for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with specific options for graduate students and special housing for international students and students with disabilities.

In conclusion, California Lutheran University's undergraduate enrollment reflects the university's commitment to diversity, accessibility, and academic excellence. With a rich array of programs, a vibrant campus life, and a supportive community, CLU offers a holistic educational experience for its undergraduate students.

Student diversity

California Lutheran University (CLU) is a diverse community of students from different faiths, sexualities, genders, and backgrounds. The university welcomes students from all walks of life, fostering an inclusive and challenging academic environment that encourages the discovery of purpose. This commitment to diversity is reflected in their student body, with a significant number of Latinx and Hispanic students.

CLU is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognising the large percentage of Hispanic students and the university's focus on student success for all, including low-income and historically marginalised groups. In 2023, 38% of undergraduates identified as Latinx, and the university has one of the largest Hispanic undergraduate populations in the country, with 41% identifying as Hispanic. This is a significant increase from 2013, when only 25% of students identified as Hispanic. The university's six-year graduation rate for Hispanic students is an impressive 73.5%, placing CLU in the 84th percentile nationwide.

The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is further demonstrated by its range of diversity resources and centres supporting these initiatives. The Center for Cultural Engagement and Inclusion, for example, offers programming that supports and empowers students to thrive and engage with social justice issues. Additionally, the Center for Equality and Justice brings people together to collaborate for equitable social change and positively impact the community. These centres play a crucial role in fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.

The student body at CLU consists of 2,400 undergraduates and about 1,100 graduate students, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,377 in the fall of 2023. Of the 770 first-time undergraduates in 2023, 62% were students of colour, 42% were the first in their families to attend college, and 8% were international students. This diversity extends beyond ethnicity, with students from 40 states and 59 countries, representing a wide range of faiths and cultures. The average class size for all programs is 14, allowing for a more intimate and inclusive learning environment.

Hispanic-Serving Institution status

California Lutheran University, a private liberal arts institution based in Thousand Oaks, California, was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education in 2016. This status is given to institutions of higher education with an undergraduate full-time equivalent student enrollment that is at least 25% Latine.

Cal Lutheran's journey to becoming an HSI began in 2013 when it first reached the 25% benchmark, and by 2021, nearly 39% of its student population identified as Latine. This development was influenced by the increase in the Latine population in Los Angeles County and Ventura County, as well as the university's intentional efforts to enhance the diversity of its student body.

The HSI designation has brought numerous benefits to the university, including the opportunity to apply for federal funding. Between 2016 and 2018, Cal Lutheran received over $11 million in federal HSI Title III and Title V grants, which have been utilised to support various initiatives. One such initiative is the EDU|CAL project, which aims to increase the number of Hispanic teachers in the K-12 learning environment to reflect the growing diversity of the student population. The university has also used HSI funding to implement tutoring and supplemental instruction in STEM disciplines and provide all STEM students with access to advisers and faculty members.

Additionally, the HSI status has helped reduce the university's costs related to work-study and other programs serving needy and low-income students. The designation aligns with the university's commitment to inclusivity and its mission to educate leaders for a global society, fostering an environment that embraces diverse faiths and cultures.

Student retention

California Lutheran University, a private liberal arts institution based in Thousand Oaks, California, offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's total undergraduate enrollment stands at 2,377 students as of Fall 2023.

To enhance student retention, California Lutheran University focuses on several key factors that contribute to a positive student experience:

• Cost & Financial Aid: Understanding the financial considerations that may impact a student's decision to stay enrolled.
• Campus Climate & Belonging: Fostering a sense of community and inclusion to ensure students feel valued and connected to the university.
• Advising & Mentoring: Providing academic guidance and mentorship to support students' learning and personal growth.
• Involvement & Participation: Encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities, such as clubs and organisations, to enhance their overall experience.
• Communication & Service: Offering helpful and responsive services to meet students' needs and address their concerns.

By addressing these factors, California Lutheran University strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages students to persist in their academic pursuits and successfully graduate.

Additionally, the university's dedication to small class sizes, personalised attention from professors, and hands-on learning opportunities also contribute to its student retention efforts. The university's faculty plays a crucial role in helping students feel valued, included, and supported, which aligns with the institution's mission to educate leaders with strong character and a commitment to service.

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