Cal State Fullerton vs. Fresno Pacific University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 2,879 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Fresno Pacific University is in Fresno, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton 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 Fullerton 26:1; Fresno Pacific University 10:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Fresno Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton 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 Fullerton than Fresno Pacific University ($7,064 vs. $15,261).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 46.5% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($10,210 vs. $19,080).
• Fresno Pacific University is 390.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $29,190 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.7% higher at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Fullerton (about $16,590 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 163.6% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($29,616 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Fresno Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton 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 Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fresno Pacific University (1110) is 20 points higher than at Cal State Fullerton (1090).
• Incoming Cal State Fullerton students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Fresno Pacific University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Fresno Pacific University 970/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Fresno Pacific University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Fresno Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Fresno Pacific University (3.54).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Fresno Pacific University (64.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Fresno Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton 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).

• The graduation rate at Cal State Fullerton is the same as at Fresno Pacific University (50% vs. 50%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Fresno Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($155 vs. $222).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.