Cal State Fullerton vs SJSU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for California State University-Fullerton and San Jose State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Cal State Fullerton vs SJSU at a glance
Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and SJSU 84.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $5,115 at Cal State Fullerton and $14,241 at SJSU. Six-year graduation rates are 67.9% and 67.7%, 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 SJSU 84.6%, so SJSU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton and $14,241 at SJSU; Cal State Fullerton costs $9,126 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,620 at Cal State Fullerton and $10,381 at SJSU.
- 67.9% of students graduate within six years at Cal State Fullerton, against 67.7% at SJSU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,015 for Cal State Fullerton and $83,493 for SJSU; SJSU is $14,478 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,594 at Cal State Fullerton and $14,750 at SJSU.
- Cal State Fullerton enrolls 38,546 students (large suburb) and SJSU 27,601 (large city).
Side by side
Cal State Fullerton and SJSU 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 | SJSU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 84.6% |
| Applicants | 45,140 | 30,441 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $5,115 | $14,241 |
| Tuition, in state | $7,952 | $8,846 |
| Tuition, out of state | $21,272 | $22,166 |
| Cost of attendance | $17,787 | $28,920 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,620 | $10,381 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,878 | $10,669 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $3,852 | $12,135 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,994 | $15,813 |
| Over $110,000 | $14,753 | $24,449 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.9% | 67.7% |
| First-year retention | 82.4% | 86.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,015 | $83,493 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,594 | $14,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $154 | $168 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 38,546 | 27,601 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Fullerton, CA | San Jose, 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 SJSU 85; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Cal State Fullerton vs SJSU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Cal State Fullerton or SJSU?
SJSU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Cal State Fullerton admits 90.5% of applicants and SJSU admits 84.6%.
Which is cheaper, Cal State Fullerton or SJSU?
Cal State Fullerton has the lower average net price after grants: $5,115 a year at Cal State Fullerton against $14,241 at SJSU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,620 and $10,381. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Cal State Fullerton or SJSU graduates earn more?
SJSU graduates earn more at the median: $69,015 ten years after entry for Cal State Fullerton and $83,493 for SJSU. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,594 and $14,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Cal State Fullerton or SJSU?
Cal State Fullerton does: 67.9% of Cal State Fullerton students graduate within six years, against 67.7% at SJSU.
How big are Cal State Fullerton and SJSU?
Cal State Fullerton has 38,546 students in Fullerton, CA and SJSU has 27,601 students in San Jose, CA.