Sac State vs Cal State Fullerton

California State University-Sacramento (CSUS) and California State University-Fullerton (CSUF) are two of the largest and most popular universities in the California State University system. Both offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a diverse student body. However, there are some key differences between the two schools that prospective students should be aware of before making a decision. These include acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights the key differences between CSUS and CSUF. Dive in to find the university that best aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.
California State University-Fullerton logo

California State University-Fullerton

California State University-Sacramento logo

California State University-Sacramento

Overview

Location Fullerton, California Sacramento, California
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 87.0% 81.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 59.4% 93.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $70
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $70
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 45,140 22,706
Total number of admissions given out 26,827 21,272
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,219 3,581
Yield rate 15.7% 16.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $30,282

Out of state: $42,162
In state: $31,488

Out of state: $43,368
Average net price $4,939 $7,778
Tuition
In state: $5,742

Out of state: $17,622
In state: $5,742

Out of state: $17,622
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $12,918

Meal plan: $4,374
Room/dormitory: $7,744

Meal plan: $5,030
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

74.0%
Average amount $9,215
80.0%
Average amount $9,769
Students receiving federal student loan 17.0%
Average amount $4,700
18.0%
Average amount $4,607
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $11,380
0.0%
Average amount $12,368

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 35,600
Men 41.2% Women 58.8%
29,451
Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
Graduate students 5,138
Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
3,047
Men 32.9% Women 67.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 0.9% 1.6%
International students 4.9% 4.0%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,045 2,173
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from California Texas Hawaii Illinois Arizona California Washington Arizona Hawaii Alaska

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 25:1 25:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 71.5% 57.5%
Dropout rate 21.3% 32.1%
Transferred out 1.8% 3.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $145,938
  • Year 2: $157,680
  • Year 3: $165,916
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $138,162
  • Year 2: $114,595
  • Year 3: $130,592
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $113,642
  • Year 2: $110,241
  • Year 3: $114,173
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,293
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: $97,266
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,611
  • Year 2: $86,042
  • Year 3: $94,651
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,934
  • Year 2: $80,779
  • Year 3: $90,936
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,382
  • Year 2: $78,971
  • Year 3: $89,837
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,840
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $81,048
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,980
  • Year 2: $76,325
  • Year 3: $79,512
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,145
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $78,803
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,852
  • Year 2: $108,495
  • Year 3: $114,088
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $84,797
  • Year 2: $90,412
  • Year 3: $101,346
Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,148
  • Year 2: $80,779
  • Year 3: $91,338
Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,787
  • Year 2: $80,022
  • Year 3: $90,507
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,004
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $89,399
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,951
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $85,246
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,130
  • Year 2: $70,596
  • Year 3: $82,173
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,865
  • Year 2: $73,739
  • Year 3: $81,304
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,510
  • Year 2: $67,240
  • Year 3: $80,353
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,158
  • Year 2: $64,406
  • Year 3: $73,910

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location between Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    Sacramento State is located in Sacramento, the capital of California, offering proximity to state government and a more inland climate. Cal State Fullerton is situated in Fullerton, in Southern California, providing access to the greater Los Angeles area, beaches, and a warmer climate.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Sacramento State is particularly strong in programs related to government, public policy, and education, given its location. Cal State Fullerton is well-regarded for its business, communications, and arts programs, and has a strong emphasis on STEM fields.

  • What is the student population like at Sacramento State versus Cal State Fullerton?

    Both universities have large and diverse student populations. Cal State Fullerton generally has a slightly larger student body than Sacramento State. Both campuses reflect the diversity of California, with a significant representation of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    The tuition and fees are generally comparable between the two universities, as they are both part of the California State University system. However, the overall cost of attendance, including living expenses, may vary depending on the location. Sacramento, in general, has a slightly lower cost of living than the area surrounding Fullerton.

  • What are the campus environments like at Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    Sacramento State has a more traditional, park-like campus with a lot of green space and a river running through it. Cal State Fullerton has a more modern campus with a focus on state-of-the-art facilities. Both campuses offer a variety of student activities, clubs, and organizations.

  • How do the career services and opportunities differ at Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    Both universities provide robust career services, including career counseling, job fairs, and internship opportunities. Sacramento State's location in the state capital provides unique opportunities for internships and employment in government and related fields. Cal State Fullerton benefits from its proximity to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, offering access to a wide range of industries, including entertainment, technology, and aerospace.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    Both universities have competitive athletic programs. Cal State Fullerton is known for its strong baseball program, while Sacramento State has a growing athletic presence in various sports. Both schools compete in the NCAA Division I.

  • How does the availability of on-campus housing compare?

    Both universities offer on-campus housing, but availability can vary. It's recommended to apply for housing early at both Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton, as demand can be high. Cal State Fullerton may have slightly more on-campus housing options due to its larger student population.

  • Which university is better for someone interested in a specific major, such as Business or Engineering?

    Cal State Fullerton is generally considered to have a stronger business program, particularly in areas like accounting and finance. Both schools offer engineering programs, but Cal State Fullerton's engineering programs are often considered more established and have strong industry connections. Sacramento State's strengths lie in programs related to government, public policy, and education.

  • How do the graduation rates compare between Sacramento State and Cal State Fullerton?

    Graduation rates are generally comparable between the two universities. Both institutions are committed to student success and offer resources to support students in completing their degrees. Specific graduation rates can fluctuate slightly year to year, so it's best to check the most recent data available on each university's website.

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