Cal State Fullerton vs. La Sierra University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); La Sierra University is in Riverside, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; La Sierra University 12:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. La Sierra University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or La Sierra 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 La Sierra University ($7,064 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 29.6% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($13,431 vs. $19,080).
• La Sierra University is 404.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $30,240 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.9% higher at La Sierra University than at California State University Fullerton (about $17,640 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at California State University Fullerton (98% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 146.1% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($27,646 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. La Sierra University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or La Sierra 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 La Sierra University and Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 80 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; La Sierra University 880/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; La Sierra University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; La Sierra University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at La Sierra University (3.54).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Cal State Fullerton (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 13.3% at La Sierra University.

Cal State Fullerton vs. La Sierra University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and La Sierra 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 La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($15,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($155 vs. $310).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 52%)

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.