Understand Your Offer

California Lutheran University offers a variety of scholarship and institutional resources. The total combined amount of offered institutional aid may not exceed the cost of tuition. Student must be registered full-time and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards in order to be eligible for any institutional aid.

Academic Scholarships*
Academic scholarships are offered to incoming first-year and transfer students based on academic credentials at the time of admission. Academic Scholarships are renewable for subsequent years.

Presidential Scholarship*
Presidential Scholarships recognize and reward graduating high school seniors in the top tier of CLU’s applicant pool who embody the University’s educational and leadership goals. The Presidential Scholarship is renewable for subsequent years.

Public Price Promise*
Cal Lutheran offers first-year and transfer students who meet GPA requirements a renewable scholarship based on the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) at Cal Lutheran and these top public University of California institutions. This scholarship makes the cost of attending Cal Lutheran approximately the same as the average cost of attending one of these five institutions. The Public Price Promise is renewable for subsequent years.

Alumni Scholarship
Students who are the child or grandchild of a graduate of a CLU degree program may be eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship at CLU as long as they are enrolled full-time.

Congregational Partners in Education (CPE) Match
Students who are enrolled full-time and receive scholarship support from any religious congregation will have that offer matched by CLU up to $2,500 per year.

Partners in Ministry Scholarship (PIM)
Students who are children of registered ELCA clergy are eligible to receive this $4,000 offer each year while attending CLU. Students must be unmarried, under the age of 24, and enrolled full-time.

Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Scholarship
Students with talent in the areas of visual arts, theatre arts, vocal music, and/or instrumental music can audition for a VAPA Scholarship prior to enrolling at CLU. Each individual academic department determines the requirements for renewing the scholarship in subsequent years.

* Students are eligible to receive only one of these scholarships, and if eligible for more than one, will receive the scholarship with the largest amount to assist with educational expenses.

Cal Grants
These state-funded grants are available to students who are residents of California, have financial need as defined by the state, and who meet the academic standards in effect at the time of application. offer amounts are $9,358* for Cal Grant A and up to $11,006* for Cal Grant B. GPA Verification and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted by March 2 to be considered. Please note that Cal Grant offers are estimated until eligibility is confirmed with the California Student Aid Commission.

Please be advised that funding is limited and may be discontinued. offer amounts are subject to change/elimination based on the State of California’s annual budgeting process.

California Lutheran University participates in the following Federal Grant Programs:

Federal Pell Grant**
The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. For more information about Pell Grants, please visit StudentAid.gov

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)**
The FSEOG is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based on the information provided on the FAFSA. Eligible students receive $2,500 per year.

**These federal grant offers are subject to change/elimination pending government regulations and federal allocations.

There are various loans available to students attending California Lutheran University:.

Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
Federal Stafford Loans are offered to all students who complete a FAFSA, meet eligibility requirements, submit all required documentation, and are enrolled at least half-time (six or more units per semester). This loan is borrowed by the student and no credit check is required. Be advised that there is a maximum amount a student may borrow each year as well as a total maximum amount that students can borrow throughout their years in college. There are two types of Stafford Loans students can receive:

• Subsidized Loan: Available to students with financial need and the government pays the interest being accrued on the loan while the student is in school.
• Unsubsidized Loan: Is non-need based and the student is responsible for the interest that accrues while in school. It is highly recommended that the student pay the interest as it accrues.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is an excellent option to assist in financing a college education. It is available to parents, legal guardians, and a stepparent of dependent, undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time and requires a credit check. If approved, the parent/guardian may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other financial aid. If the parent/guardian is not approved for the Federal PLUS Loan, the student may be eligible to borrow additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds.

Alternative/Private Educational Loans
The Alternative Loan is not part of the Financial Aid offer, but is a useful option after all other financial resources are exhausted. Alternative Loans cannot exceed the COA minus other financial aid. For more information about this loan, please visit Alternative Loans.

Student Loan Interest Rates and Repayments

For more information about interest rates and repayments, please visit  Direct Loans

On-campus employment is a great option for students looking for a part-time job. Students have the responsibility of applying and securing a job for themselves. On-campus jobs are NOT guaranteed and begin to fill up fast so be sure to apply early.

Student workers should be enrolled as a full-time student and should maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Although most campus employment positions are open to any student, Cal Lutheran does have some off-campus federally-funded work study positions, such as positions with the Area Housing Authority. These positions are only open to students with unmet financial need, as per the FAFSA.

Search for jobs on campus

You can also attend the Student Employment Job Fair during New Student Orientation discover job opportunities on campus.