Cal State Fullerton vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Simpson University 17:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or Simpson 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 Simpson University ($7,064 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 37.6% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($11,900 vs. $19,080).
• Simpson University is 431.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $32,238 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.8% higher at Simpson University than at California State University Fullerton (about $19,638 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 130.9% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($25,937 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 20 points higher than at Simpson University (1070).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Simpson University (3.4).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and Simpson 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 Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $1,668 lower median loan debt than Simpson University graduates ($15,000 vs. $16,668).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson University graduates ($155 vs. $172).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 67%)

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.