California State University-Fresno vs. Fresno Pacific University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fresno in Fresno, CA with Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Fresno is larger than Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (24,427 students vs. 2,879 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fresno is located in Fresno, CA (Large City setting); Fresno Pacific University is in Fresno, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fresno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fresno Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fresno 22:1; Fresno Pacific University 10:1.

California State University-Fresno vs. Fresno Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State University-Fresno or Fresno Pacific University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Fresno than Fresno Pacific University ($7,834 vs. $15,261).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 14.6% lower than at California State University Fresno ($10,210 vs. $11,960).
• Fresno Pacific University is 398.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State University-Fresno (about $29,310 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $7,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.8% higher at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Fresno (about $16,710 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $19,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Fresno (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 140.3% larger than aid received by California State University Fresno students ($29,616 vs. $12,326).

California State University-Fresno vs. Fresno Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State University-Fresno or Fresno Pacific University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fresno Pacific University and California State University-Fresno.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fresno Pacific University (1110) is 110 points higher than at California State University-Fresno (1000).
• Incoming Fresno Pacific University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at California State University-Fresno).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fresno 890/1100; Fresno Pacific University 970/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fresno 16/21; Fresno Pacific University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State University-Fresno - Test-free; Fresno Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-Fresno Dec 15, 2026; Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fresno Pacific University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at California State University-Fresno (3.12).
• California State University-Fresno has a higher acceptance rate (95.3%) than Fresno Pacific University (64.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at California State University-Fresno vs. 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University.

California State University-Fresno vs. Fresno Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State University-Fresno and Fresno Pacific University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Fresno Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than California State University Fresno's (49%).
• Graduates from California State University Fresno earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Fresno Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fresno graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, California State University-Fresno graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($155 vs. $222).
• More California State University-Fresno graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.