Sacramento State vs. Golden Gate University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Sacramento in Sacramento, CA with Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Sacramento is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (31,943 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Sacramento is located in Sacramento, CA (Large City setting); Golden Gate University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Sacramento is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Sacramento 24:1; Golden Gate University 7:1.

Sacramento State vs. Golden Gate University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sacramento State or Golden Gate University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 31.2% lower than at California State University Sacramento ($13,200 vs. $19,174).
• Golden Gate University is 286.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sacramento State (about $22,970 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $8,018.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.3% higher at Golden Gate University than at California State University Sacramento (about $10,370 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $20,618.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Sacramento than at Golden Gate University (82% vs. 0%).

Sacramento State vs. Golden Gate University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sacramento State or Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate University and Sacramento State.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Sacramento 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Sacramento 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sacramento State - Test-free; Golden Gate University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sacramento State Nov 30, 2026.

Sacramento State vs. Golden Gate University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sacramento State and Golden Gate 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $25,400 more per year than Sacramento State graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Sacramento graduates have a $14,089 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($15,750 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, Sacramento State graduates have an estimated $146 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($162 vs. $308).
• More Sacramento State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 57%)

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.