California State University-Fullerton
About California State University-Fullerton
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cal State Fullerton is a public university in Fullerton, California. It is one of the largest CSU campuses by enrollment and is known for strong programs in business, communications, and the arts. The campus is located in Orange County near major employment centers.
Founded
1957
Location
Fullerton, California
Students
43,448
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
70.2%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$7,470
Out-of-state: $20,070
Avg Net Price
$6,555
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$62,951
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Dec 2
California State University-Fullerton accepts the majority of applicants at 90.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
70.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.4%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
71%
Teaching Quality
24:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
50.4%
$/Student
$8.0K
Class Size
Large
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 82.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,470
In-State
$20,070
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,080
Books & Supplies
$1,005
Total Cost of Attendance
$18,269
After Financial Aid
$6,555
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,315
Receive Grants
48.1%
Take Loans
22%
The full cost of attendance is about $18,269/yr for in-state students, including $19,080 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $6,555. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,070.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-Fullerton fund their education.
While in School
48.1%
Get Grants
Free money
22%
Take Loans
Must repay
$28,124
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$146/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,750, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-Fullerton.
Gender
55.9%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
38,546
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,902
Graduates
49.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 49.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
38,546
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-Fullerton fields 9 varsity teams with 482 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
482
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
43% / 57%
205
Men
277
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-Fullertonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,951
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
2134 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$28K
992 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$34K
647 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$24K
542 grads
1yr Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts
$23K
433 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$29K
399 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $49K at six years, $45K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Fullerton
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Fullerton?▾
How much does California State University-Fullerton cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Fullerton?▾
How much do California State University-Fullerton graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.