Apply Online

Freshman Application

Transfer Application

To apply, click either the Freshman Application (link) or Transfer Application (link) button below. You may save your work without submitting the application and return to it at a later time. When you are ready to submit your application, you may pay the $25 application fee at the end of the application via secure server.

If you experience any problems with the online application, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (877) 258-3678 or at admissions@callutheran.edu.

Apply using the Common Application


Please read these instructions carefully before applying:

  1. The Early Action deadline is November 15.
  2. Regular Decision Round I Deadline is January 15
  3. Regular Decision Round II Deadline and Transfer Student priority deadline is March 15
  4. Applications for the spring semester should be received by November 15.
  5. A letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf by a teacher or counselor in order to complete your application for admission. You may download a letter of recommendation below. Or you can call the Office of Admission and a blank form will be mailed to you.
  6. The application fee for online applications is $25; the paper application fee is $45. Please make the check or money order payable to California Lutheran University. You may also pay the application fee by credit card over the phone by calling the CLU Office of Admission toll-free at 1-877-258-3678.
  7. Request that transcripts of high school records and all college work attempted be sent to the Admission Office.
  8. Submit the results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) to the Admission Office. Test scores may be submitted as part of the official high school transcript. Transfer students with at least 28 semester hours of college credit need not submit test scores.
    SAT code: 4088
    ACT code: 0183
  9. If there is personal information that may have affected your academic performance, please include this information on a separate sheet of paper and mail it to the Admission Office.
  10. Upon notification of admission to California Lutheran University, a non-refundable deposit of $300 is payable by May 1. This will signify acceptance of our offer of admission and reserve the student's place at the University. Students admitted after April 15 must make the deposit within 15 days of their admission. The payment of the deposit will be credited to the student's account.

    11. Download the Application Checklist (.pdf )



    Applying for Financial Aid

    All California residents seeking financial aid are required to apply for the Cal Grant program. Proof of such may be requested before a financial aid package is granted.

    To apply for the program, contact your high school counselor or your College Admission/Financial Aid Office for information and forms. You may write the California Student Aid Commission, 1410 Fifth St., Sacramento, CA 95814. REMEMBER, THIS IS NORMALLY A PREREQUISITE TO FINANCIAL AID OFFERED THROUGH CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY. THE CAL GRANT DEADLINE IS MARCH 2.

    FAFSA code: 001133

    All applicants seeking need-based financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact your high school counselor or college financial aid office for forms.

    Transfer students are required to submit financial aid transcripts, whether or not the student received financial aid, from all previous colleges attended. Financial aid transcript forms are available in the financial aid office.

    Housing

    All students except seniors and those living with parents are required to live on campus. Exceptions must be granted by the Housing Review Board which considers requests well before the semester begins.

    Personal Interview and Campus Visits

    California Lutheran University highly recommends an admission interview and campus tour. We encourage family members to accompany students on this visit.

    The Admission Office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office will be closed Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. for University chapel and on major holidays. Other times may be arranged if sufficient notice is given. Please contact the Admission Office informing us of your plans to visit.

    Every attempt is made to arrange campus tours, class visits and conversations with professors according to the wishes of the visitor. Prospective students are encouraged to spend a day on campus and, normally, overnight accommodations and meals can be provided.