California State University-Fresno vs. Lincoln University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fresno is larger than Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (24,427 students vs. 436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fresno is located in Fresno, CA (Large City setting); Lincoln University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fresno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fresno 22:1; Lincoln University 15:1.

California State University-Fresno vs. Lincoln University Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 29.8% lower than at California State University Fresno ($8,400 vs. $11,960).
• Lincoln University is 78.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State University-Fresno (about $5,800 more per year; $13,150.00 vs. $7,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.7% higher at California State University-Fresno than at Lincoln University (about $6,800 more per year; $19,950.00 vs. $13,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Fresno than at Lincoln University (85% vs. 0%).

California State University-Fresno vs. Lincoln University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State University-Fresno or Lincoln 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 Lincoln University and California State University-Fresno.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fresno 890/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fresno 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State University-Fresno - Test-free; Lincoln University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-Fresno Dec 15, 2026; Lincoln University Jul 13, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California State University-Fresno students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at Lincoln University (2.6).

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

How do outcomes compare for California State University-Fresno and Lincoln 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).

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than California State University Fresno's (49%).
• More California State University-Fresno graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 51%)

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.