Cal State Fullerton vs CSUN: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for California State University-Fullerton and California State University-Northridge, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Cal State Fullerton vs CSUN at a glance
Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and CSUN 93.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $5,115 at Cal State Fullerton and $6,346 at CSUN. Six-year graduation rates are 67.9% and 56.8%, 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 CSUN 93.5%, so Cal State Fullerton is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton and $6,346 at CSUN; Cal State Fullerton costs $1,231 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,620 at Cal State Fullerton and $4,429 at CSUN.
- 67.9% of students graduate within six years at Cal State Fullerton, against 56.8% at CSUN.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,015 for Cal State Fullerton and $63,721 for CSUN; Cal State Fullerton is $5,294 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,594 at Cal State Fullerton and $15,000 at CSUN.
- Cal State Fullerton enrolls 38,546 students (large suburb) and CSUN 32,691 (large city).
Side by side
Cal State Fullerton and CSUN 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 | CSUN |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 93.5% |
| Applicants | 45,140 | 23,656 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $5,115 | $6,346 |
| Tuition, in state | $7,952 | $7,850 |
| Tuition, out of state | $21,272 | $21,170 |
| Cost of attendance | $17,787 | $20,014 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,620 | $4,429 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,878 | $4,460 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $3,852 | $5,948 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,994 | $9,780 |
| Over $110,000 | $14,753 | $17,634 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.9% | 56.8% |
| First-year retention | 82.4% | 73.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,015 | $63,721 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,594 | $15,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $154 | $170 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 38,546 | 32,691 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Fullerton, CA | Northridge, 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 CSUN 79; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Cal State Fullerton vs CSUN
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Cal State Fullerton or CSUN?
Cal State Fullerton is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and CSUN admits 93.5%.
Which is cheaper, Cal State Fullerton or CSUN?
Cal State Fullerton has the lower average net price after grants: $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton against $6,346 at CSUN. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,620 and $4,429. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Cal State Fullerton or CSUN graduates earn more?
Cal State Fullerton graduates earn more at the median: $69,015 ten years after entry for Cal State Fullerton and $63,721 for CSUN. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,594 and $15,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Cal State Fullerton or CSUN?
Cal State Fullerton does: 67.9% of Cal State Fullerton students graduate within six years, against 56.8% at CSUN.
How big are Cal State Fullerton and CSUN?
Cal State Fullerton has 38,546 students in Fullerton, CA and CSUN has 32,691 students in Northridge, CA.