Cal State Fullerton vs San Francisco State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for California State University-Fullerton and San Francisco State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Cal State Fullerton vs San Francisco State University at a glance
Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and San Francisco State University 96.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $5,115 at Cal State Fullerton and $9,803 at San Francisco State University. Six-year graduation rates are 67.9% and 50.3%, 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 San Francisco State University 96.4%, so Cal State Fullerton is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton and $9,803 at San Francisco State University; Cal State Fullerton costs $4,688 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,620 at Cal State Fullerton and $6,699 at San Francisco State University.
- 67.9% of students graduate within six years at Cal State Fullerton, against 50.3% at San Francisco State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,015 for Cal State Fullerton and $73,299 for San Francisco State University; San Francisco State University is $4,284 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,594 at Cal State Fullerton and $15,000 at San Francisco State University.
- Cal State Fullerton enrolls 38,546 students (large suburb) and San Francisco State University 18,639 (large city).
Side by side
Cal State Fullerton and San Francisco State University 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 | San Francisco State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 96.4% |
| Applicants | 45,140 | 27,777 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $5,115 | $9,803 |
| Tuition, in state | $7,952 | $8,324 |
| Tuition, out of state | $21,272 | $21,644 |
| Cost of attendance | $17,787 | $25,244 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,620 | $6,699 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,878 | $7,385 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $3,852 | $8,572 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,994 | $12,150 |
| Over $110,000 | $14,753 | $20,813 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.9% | 50.3% |
| First-year retention | 82.4% | 82.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,015 | $73,299 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,594 | $15,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $154 | $170 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 38,546 | 18,639 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Fullerton, CA | San Francisco, 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 San Francisco State University 78; 47 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Cal State Fullerton vs San Francisco State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Cal State Fullerton or San Francisco State University?
Cal State Fullerton is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and San Francisco State University admits 96.4%.
Which is cheaper, Cal State Fullerton or San Francisco State University?
Cal State Fullerton has the lower average net price after grants: $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton against $9,803 at San Francisco State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,620 and $6,699. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Cal State Fullerton or San Francisco State University graduates earn more?
San Francisco State University graduates earn more at the median: $69,015 ten years after entry for Cal State Fullerton and $73,299 for San Francisco State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,594 and $15,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Cal State Fullerton or San Francisco State University?
Cal State Fullerton does: 67.9% of Cal State Fullerton students graduate within six years, against 50.3% at San Francisco State University.
How big are Cal State Fullerton and San Francisco State University?
Cal State Fullerton has 38,546 students in Fullerton, CA and San Francisco State University has 18,639 students in San Francisco, CA.