Cal State Fullerton vs. UOP

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than UOP based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 6,944 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); University of the Pacific is in Stockton, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Pacific is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; University of the Pacific 13:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. UOP Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or UOP? 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 UOP ($7,064 vs. $31,670).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Pacific are 9.9% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($17,190 vs. $19,080).
• University of the Pacific is 664.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $49,610 more per year; $57,080.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 184.4% higher at UOP than at California State University Fullerton (about $37,010 more per year; $57,080.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Pacific than at California State University Fullerton (98% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of the Pacific students is 266% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($41,111 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. UOP Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of the Pacific (1330) is 240 points higher than at Cal State Fullerton (1090).
• Incoming UOP students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 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 the Pacific 1183/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; University of the Pacific 23/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; UOP - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; UOP Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at UOP (3.58).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than UOP (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 13.8% at UOP.

Cal State Fullerton vs. UOP Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and UOP? 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 the Pacific's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than California State University Fullerton's (50%).
• Graduates from University of the Pacific earn a median of about $32,400 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,400 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $9,625 lower median loan debt than UOP graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,625).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UOP graduates ($155 vs. $254).
• More UOP graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.