Location: Thousand Oaks, CA•In-State Tuition: $50,670•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1224
Median Earnings (1yr)
$57,276
39th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$24,728
6% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.43 ManageableSample: 34 graduates

Analysis

California Lutheran's management sciences program outperforms 60% of similar programs in California despite falling slightly below the national median—a noteworthy achievement given that many California programs struggle in this field. First-year graduates earn $57,276, which exceeds the state median by over $2,000 and puts them ahead of larger state schools like Cal State Fullerton and San Francisco State. The relatively low debt burden of $24,728 creates a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

The comparison to UC programs like Santa Barbara ($66,099) and San Diego ($60,973) provides useful context: you're looking at about $3,000-$9,000 less annually than top-tier programs, but you're also likely paying significantly less in tuition at this 89%-admission-rate private school. For families weighing a manageable private college environment against the prestige of UCs, this program lands in reasonable territory—graduates can handle their debt load and earn more than most state-school peers.

The moderate sample size and solid state ranking suggest this is a stable program that consistently places graduates into decent positions. For a student who wants the attention of a smaller school and can keep debt near the $25,000 level, this represents a practical path into quantitative business roles without the financial strain that often comes with private universities.

Where California Lutheran University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

California Lutheran UniversityOther management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How California Lutheran University graduates compare to all programs nationally

California Lutheran University earns $57k — 39th percentile among management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California Lutheran UniversityThousand Oaks$50,670$57,276—$24,7280.43
University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara$14,965$66,099$86,107$11,1280.17
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$60,973$71,520$17,5000.29
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$52,684—$12,1440.23
California State University-FullertonFullerton$7,073$49,830—$12,3750.25
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco$7,424$48,546$68,908$20,5000.42
National Median—$62,069—$23,2500.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Lutheran University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.