Cal State Fullerton vs. Pacific Oaks College

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Pacific Oaks College based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 1,068 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Pacific Oaks College is in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Oaks College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Pacific Oaks College 11:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Pacific Oaks College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or Pacific Oaks College? 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 California State University Fullerton are 0.5% lower than at Pacific Oaks College ($19,080 vs. $19,185).
• Pacific Oaks College is 335.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $25,050 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62% higher at Pacific Oaks College than at California State University Fullerton (about $12,450 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Fullerton than at Pacific Oaks College (78% vs. 0%).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Pacific Oaks College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or Pacific Oaks College? 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 Pacific Oaks College 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; Pacific Oaks College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Pacific Oaks College (34.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 22.7% at Pacific Oaks College.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Pacific Oaks College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and Pacific Oaks College? 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 California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Pacific Oaks College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $5,967 lower median loan debt than Pacific Oaks College graduates ($15,000 vs. $20,967).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pacific Oaks College graduates ($155 vs. $216).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pacific Oaks College students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 51%)

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.