Cal State Fullerton vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or Memphis? 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 Memphis ($7,064 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 40.6% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($11,342 vs. $19,080).
• University of Memphis is 43.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $3,258 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.5% higher at Cal State Fullerton than at University of Memphis (about $4,686 more per year; $20,070.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at California State University Fullerton (92% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 5% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($11,793 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 40 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Memphis students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and Memphis? 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 University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($155 vs. $261).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 37%)

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.