Cal State Fullerton vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than GVSU based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 22,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or GVSU? 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 GVSU ($7,064 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 39.5% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($11,550 vs. $19,080).
• Grand Valley State University is 102.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $7,670 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at GVSU than at California State University Fullerton (about $1,478 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at California State University Fullerton (90% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Fullerton students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($11,234 vs. $11,188).

Cal State Fullerton vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 20 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Cal State Fullerton vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than California State University Fullerton's (50%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($155 vs. $258).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 62%)

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.