Cal State Fullerton vs. West Coast University-Orange County

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, CA with West Coast University Orange County in Anaheim, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Fullerton is larger than West Coast University-Orange County based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 4,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); West Coast University Orange County is in Anaheim, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Coast University Orange County is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; West Coast University Orange County 14:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. West Coast University-Orange County Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or West Coast University-Orange County? 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 West Coast University-Orange County ($7,064 vs. $28,081).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Coast University Orange County are 50.9% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($9,369 vs. $19,080).
• West Coast University Orange County is 201.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $15,036 more per year; $22,506.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at West Coast University-Orange County than at California State University Fullerton (about $2,436 more per year; $22,506.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Fullerton than at West Coast University Orange County (78% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Fullerton students is 123.8% larger than aid received by West Coast University Orange County students ($11,234 vs. $5,020).

Cal State Fullerton vs. West Coast University-Orange County Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or West Coast University-Orange County? 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 West Coast University-Orange County and Cal State Fullerton.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; West Coast University-Orange County - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.

Cal State Fullerton vs. West Coast University-Orange County Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and West Coast University-Orange County? 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).

• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than West Coast University-Orange County graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $18,332 lower median loan debt than West Coast University-Orange County graduates ($15,000 vs. $33,332).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $189 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Coast University-Orange County graduates ($155 vs. $344).
• More West Coast University-Orange County 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.