Cal State Fullerton vs. CDU

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, CA with Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Fullerton is larger than CDU based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is in Los Angeles, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science 4:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. CDU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or CDU? 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 Fullerton than CDU ($7,064 vs. $35,558).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Fullerton are 42.3% lower than at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science ($19,080 vs. $33,090).
• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is 207.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $15,530 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at CDU than at California State University Fullerton (about $2,930 more per year; $23,000.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Fullerton students is 162.7% larger than aid received by Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science students ($11,234 vs. $4,276).

Cal State Fullerton vs. CDU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or CDU? 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 CDU and Cal State Fullerton.

• Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; CDU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; CDU Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at CDU (3.26).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than CDU (38.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 3.5% at CDU.

Cal State Fullerton vs. CDU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and CDU? 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).

• Graduates from Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,900 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $6,319 lower median loan debt than CDU graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,319).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CDU graduates ($155 vs. $220).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CDU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 56%)

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.