Cal State Fullerton vs. PUC

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than PUC based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Pacific Union College is in Angwin, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Pacific Union College 12:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. PUC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or PUC? 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 PUC ($7,064 vs. $22,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 48.6% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($9,816 vs. $19,080).
• Pacific Union College is 397.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $29,703 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.2% higher at PUC than at California State University Fullerton (about $17,103 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Union College students is 137% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($26,629 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. PUC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 30 points higher than at PUC (1060).
• Incoming PUC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Pacific Union College 930/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Pacific Union College 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; PUC - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at PUC (3.24).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 14% at PUC.

Cal State Fullerton vs. PUC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and PUC? 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 Pacific Union College's (45%).
• Graduates from Pacific Union College earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 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 PUC graduates ($15,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($155 vs. $310).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC 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.