Cal State Fullerton vs. University of Redlands

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Redlands is in Redlands, CA (Small City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Redlands is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; University of Redlands 10:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. University of Redlands Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands ($7,064 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 4.6% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($18,208 vs. $19,080).
• University of Redlands is 715% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $53,408 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 203.3% higher at University of Redlands than at California State University Fullerton (about $40,808 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at California State University Fullerton (98% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 328.5% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($48,134 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. University of Redlands Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands and Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Redlands (1230) is 140 points higher than at Cal State Fullerton (1090).
• Incoming University of Redlands 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; University of Redlands 1107/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; University of Redlands 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; University of Redlands - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at University of Redlands (3.74).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than University of Redlands (82.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 15.9% at University of Redlands.

Cal State Fullerton vs. University of Redlands Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and University of Redlands? 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).

• University of Redlands's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than California State University Fullerton's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Redlands earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,400 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($15,000 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($155 vs. $294).
• More University of Redlands graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.