Cal State Fullerton vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than San Jose State based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 37,661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or San Jose State? 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 San Jose State ($7,064 vs. $13,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Fullerton are 9% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,080 vs. $20,971).
• San Jose State University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $940 more per year; $8,410.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at San Jose State than at California State University Fullerton (about $940 more per year; $21,010.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Fullerton than at San Jose State University (78% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 10% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($12,353 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Cal State Fullerton (1090).
• Incoming San Jose State 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; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Cal State Fullerton vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and San Jose State? 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 San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University and Cal State Fullerton graduates have the same median loan debt ($15,000 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, San Jose State University and Cal State Fullerton graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($155 vs. $155).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.