Cal State Fullerton vs. Life Pacific University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Life Pacific University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 621 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cal State Fullerton vs. Life Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or Life 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 Life Pacific University ($7,064 vs. $21,602).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Life Pacific University are 36.1% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($12,190 vs. $19,080).
• Life Pacific University is 196.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $14,648 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.2% higher at Life Pacific University than at California State University Fullerton (about $2,048 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life Pacific University than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life Pacific University students is 21.9% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($13,696 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Life Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or Life 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 Life Pacific University and Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 80 points higher than at Life Pacific University (1010).
• Incoming Cal State Fullerton students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Life Pacific University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Life Pacific University 930/1085.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Life Pacific University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Life Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; Life Pacific University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.86 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Life Pacific University (2.91).
• Life Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (95.8%) than Cal State Fullerton (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 33.8% at Life Pacific University.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Life Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and Life 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).

• California State University Fullerton's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Life Pacific University's (33%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Life Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $5,530 lower median loan debt than Life Pacific University graduates ($15,000 vs. $20,530).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Life Pacific University graduates ($155 vs. $212).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 54%)

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.