Cal State Fullerton vs Cal State Fresno: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for California State University-Fullerton and California State University-Fresno, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Cal State Fullerton vs Cal State Fresno at a glance
Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and Cal State Fresno 95.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $5,115 at Cal State Fullerton and $5,418 at Cal State Fresno. Six-year graduation rates are 67.9% and 58.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and Cal State Fresno 95.3%, so Cal State Fullerton is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton and $5,418 at Cal State Fresno; Cal State Fullerton costs $303 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,620 at Cal State Fullerton and $3,925 at Cal State Fresno.
- 67.9% of students graduate within six years at Cal State Fullerton, against 58.2% at Cal State Fresno.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,015 for Cal State Fullerton and $62,756 for Cal State Fresno; Cal State Fullerton is $6,259 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,594 at Cal State Fullerton and $13,156 at Cal State Fresno.
- Cal State Fullerton enrolls 38,546 students (large suburb) and Cal State Fresno 21,605 (large city).
Side by side
Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Fresno in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Cal State Fullerton | Cal State Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 95.3% |
| Applicants | 45,140 | 15,231 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $5,115 | $5,418 |
| Tuition, in state | $7,952 | $8,224 |
| Tuition, out of state | $21,272 | $21,544 |
| Cost of attendance | $17,787 | $19,585 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,620 | $3,925 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,878 | $3,848 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $3,852 | $4,466 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,994 | $7,866 |
| Over $110,000 | $14,753 | $16,245 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.9% | 58.2% |
| First-year retention | 82.4% | 81.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,015 | $62,756 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,594 | $13,156 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $154 | $150 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 38,546 | 21,605 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Fullerton, CA | Fresno, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Cal State Fullerton reports 62 bachelor's programs and Cal State Fresno 84; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Questions about Cal State Fullerton vs Cal State Fresno
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Cal State Fullerton or Cal State Fresno?
Cal State Fullerton is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and Cal State Fresno admits 95.3%.
Which is cheaper, Cal State Fullerton or Cal State Fresno?
Cal State Fullerton has the lower average net price after grants: $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton against $5,418 at Cal State Fresno. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,620 and $3,925. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Cal State Fullerton or Cal State Fresno graduates earn more?
Cal State Fullerton graduates earn more at the median: $69,015 ten years after entry for Cal State Fullerton and $62,756 for Cal State Fresno. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,594 and $13,156.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Cal State Fullerton or Cal State Fresno?
Cal State Fullerton does: 67.9% of Cal State Fullerton students graduate within six years, against 58.2% at Cal State Fresno.
How big are Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Fresno?
Cal State Fullerton has 38,546 students in Fullerton, CA and Cal State Fresno has 21,605 students in Fresno, CA.