California State University-Sacramento
About California State University-Sacramento
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Sac State is a public university in Sacramento, California. It serves a large, diverse student body with strong programs in criminal justice, business, nursing, and government. Its proximity to the state capital provides unique internship and career opportunities.
Founded
1947
Location
Sacramento, California
Students
31,473
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
94%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
56.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,018
Out-of-state: $20,618
Avg Net Price
$9,338
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$64,876
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
Rolling
California State University-Sacramento accepts the majority of applicants at 94%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
56.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
81.9%
4-Year Grad
20%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
24:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
49%
$/Student
$8.6K
Class Size
Large
The 20% graduation rate is below average, but 81.9% 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
$8,018
In-State
$20,618
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,174
Books & Supplies
$1,160
Total Cost of Attendance
$22,945
After Financial Aid
$9,338
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,501
Receive Grants
49.1%
Take Loans
22.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $22,945/yr for in-state students, including $19,174 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $9,338. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,618.
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-Sacramento fund their education.
While in School
49.1%
Get Grants
Free money
22.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,217
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 22.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
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-Sacramento.
Gender
55%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
28,350
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,123
Graduates
49%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
20.9%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 45% of the student body. 49% 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
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
28,350
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
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-Sacramento fields 12 varsity teams with 628 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big Sky
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
628
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
353
Men
275
Women
7
Men's Teams
10
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-Sacramentoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,876
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
1005 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$33K
636 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$39K
539 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
424 grads
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$44K
416 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$39K
400 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $48K at eight, and $65K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Sacramento
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Sacramento?▾
How much does California State University-Sacramento cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Sacramento?▾
How much do California State University-Sacramento 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.