Cal State Fullerton vs. Golden Gate University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, CA with Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Fullerton is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Golden Gate University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Golden Gate University 7:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Golden Gate University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate University are 30.8% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($13,200 vs. $19,080).
• Golden Gate University is 314.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $23,518 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.4% higher at Golden Gate University than at California State University Fullerton (about $10,918 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Fullerton than at Golden Gate University (78% vs. 0%).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Golden Gate University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate University and Cal State Fullerton.

• 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; Golden Gate University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Golden Gate University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and Golden Gate 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $27,400 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $14,839 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($15,000 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $153 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($155 vs. $308).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 57%)

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.