California Lutheran University: what international applicants need

What are California Lutheran University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

California Lutheran University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 15, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is California Lutheran University's acceptance rate?

75.7% for students who started in fall 2024: California Lutheran University admitted 4,544 of its 6,005 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does California Lutheran University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. California Lutheran University is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 15, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for California Lutheran University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 560–660 in Math and 590–670 in Reading and Writing (13% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 24–31.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is California Lutheran University's application fee for international students?

California Lutheran University's application fee is $25 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does California Lutheran University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. California Lutheran University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does California Lutheran University accept?

California Lutheran University lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does California Lutheran University accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests California Lutheran University accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does California Lutheran University require?

California Lutheran University requires one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does California Lutheran University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. California Lutheran University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does California Lutheran University have?

84 of California Lutheran University's 2,297 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 3.7%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does California Lutheran University cost for international students?

California Lutheran University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $52,560, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $16,810. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $74,816 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source