Evergreen Valley College vs California Lutheran University: which has better ROI?
Evergreen Valley College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $24,828 in 5.3 years versus 5.9 years at California Lutheran University, on median earnings of $53,077 vs $68,712 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Evergreen Valley College | California Lutheran University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,414 | $30,109 |
| Total net cost | $24,828 | $120,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,077 | $68,712 |
| Median debt | $13,219 | $21,669 |
| Payback | 5.3 yrs | 5.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $69,512 | $286,604 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Evergreen Valley College or California Lutheran University?
Evergreen Valley College, at $12,414 a year after aid versus $30,109 — a gap of $17,695 a year, or $95,608 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Evergreen Valley College or California Lutheran University graduates earn more?
California Lutheran University graduates report a median $68,712 ten years after entry, $15,635 more than the $53,077 at Evergreen Valley College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Evergreen Valley College or California Lutheran University?
Evergreen Valley College: its completers carry a median $13,219 in federal loans versus $21,669 at California Lutheran University, a difference of $8,450. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at California Lutheran University, against 41% at Evergreen Valley College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.