Cal State Fullerton vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, CA with Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Fullerton is larger than Eastern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 12,631 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or Eastern Michigan 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 Fullerton than Eastern Michigan University ($7,064 vs. $15,742).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Michigan University are 28.4% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($13,652 vs. $19,080).
• Eastern Michigan University is 117.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $8,770 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at Cal State Fullerton than at Eastern Michigan University (about $3,830 more per year; $20,070.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Michigan University than at California State University Fullerton (93% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 19% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($13,370 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University and Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 40 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Incoming Eastern Michigan University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and Eastern Michigan 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).

• California State University Fullerton's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($155 vs. $263).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 45%)

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.