Congregational Partners in Education (CPE) Award

California Lutheran University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and values the contributions that students from all faith backgrounds bring to the University.

Cal Lutheran will match gifts from their congregation in support of a student enrolled full-time up to $2,500 per academic year. This award allows congregations of any faith to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to the life and work of their congregation. It also gives the University an opportunity to show its support for students who actively demonstrate their religious convictions.

Cal Lutheran will match congregational support up to $2,500 per academic year

Application Process

Have your congregation send the financial support directly to Cal Lutheran.
- Make check payable to:
  - California Lutheran University
    Financial Aid Office
    60 W. Olsen Road, #1375
    Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
  - Add student name and Cal Lutheran ID (if available) to memo line on the check
  - Note: The check must come from the congregation to the University and should not be written directly to the student
Along with the check, include a letter that contains:
- Name of congregation
- Clergy name & contact information
- Student's name
- Cal Lutheran student ID (if available)
- Student's address (if available)

Scholarship Details

The Congregation's scholarship is split evenly among expected enrollment terms, unless directed otherwise in writing by the Congregation.
The matching Cal Lutheran CPE scholarship is always applied evenly among enrolled terms unless the student is attending their final term prior to graduation.
In certain cases, a student’s scholarship may be altered to comply with federal, State and/or institutional award requirements.
This scholarship is non-transferable and is used only for tuition and mandatory fees at Cal Lutheran. It will be credited toward the student’s account at Cal Lutheran. The scholarship is not payable in cash.
PLTS Students: Congregation funds and CPE match scholarship may be used to cover all educational related expenses up to the Cost of Attendance. Aid from all sources cannot exceed the annual Cost of Attendance. ~Students must be enrolled at least half-time in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Spirituality and Social Change, and Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies programs.

Eligibility Criteria

Enrolled & charged full-time tuition at Cal Lutheran or Enrolled & charged at least part-time tuition at PLTS
Must receive the financial support of your congregation
Traditional Undergraduates, Bachelor's Degree for Professionals and Graduate Students are eligible
This matching scholarship may be renewed each year when funds are received from the Congregation
- It is the responsibility of the student receiving this scholarship to request the support of their congregation and to ask that the funds be sent to the University according to the priority deadline stated below

Priority Deadlines

Congregational Guidelines

The governing body of each congregation is responsible for determining the procedure by which the congregation provides for and finances its portion of the scholarship. Some congregations may decide on a case by case basis, when a request is made by the member who is attending Cal Lutheran. Others may choose to establish a general scholarship fund, which is designed to support students who meet certain predetermined criteria or even take a special offering on behalf of this member.

Please note that IRS tax code Section 170 (a) states a charitable deduction may not be taken for a contribution from which the donor receives or expects to receive an equal financial or economic benefit, or for personal, living or family expenses. This would prohibit a relative of a Cal Lutheran student from personally financing the scholarship by making a contribution to the congregation solely for that purpose.