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California College of the Arts vs California State University-Fullerton

California College of the Arts is a private college in San Francisco, CA. California State University-Fullerton is a public university in Fullerton, CA. Both admit about 91% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $6,555 a year at California State University-Fullerton after aid, and about $53,909 at California College of the Arts. About 70% of students graduate at California State University-Fullerton, compared with 62% at California College of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Fullerton alumni earn a median of about $62,951, against $49,414 for California College of the Arts.

California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA · Private

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Francisco, CA
Fullerton, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
990
38,546
Acceptance rate
91%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1310
1000–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
19–28
18–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$53,909
$6,555
Full cost / yr
$79,776
$18,269
In-state tuition
$60,226
$7,470
Out-of-state tuition
$60,226
$20,070
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$61,407
$3,315
$30k - $48k
$43,261
$4,123
$48k - $75k
$45,378
$6,090
$75k - $110k
$46,060
$8,930
Over $110k
$56,394
$15,631
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
70%
Freshman retention
87%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,308
$48,558
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,414
$62,951
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$13,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
48%
First-generation students
24%
49%
International students
32%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Not reported
Nov 30

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California College of the Arts or California State University-Fullerton harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 91% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California College of the Arts or California State University-Fullerton?
California State University-Fullerton is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,555 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $53,909 at California College of the Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California College of the Arts and California State University-Fullerton?
Before aid, California State University-Fullerton costs about $18,269 a year and California College of the Arts about $79,776. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California College of the Arts or California State University-Fullerton?
California State University-Fullerton. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,315 there, against about $61,407 at California College of the Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California College of the Arts or California State University-Fullerton?
California State University-Fullerton is the larger of the two, with about 38,546 undergraduates against 990 at California College of the Arts.
Does California College of the Arts or California State University-Fullerton have a better graduation rate?
California State University-Fullerton has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 62% at California College of the Arts.
Do graduates of California College of the Arts or California State University-Fullerton earn more?
California State University-Fullerton alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,951 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,414 for California College of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California College of the Arts and California State University-Fullerton require SAT or ACT scores?
California College of the Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California State University-Fullerton is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do California College of the Arts and California State University-Fullerton look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1310 at California College of the Arts and 1000–1180 at California State University-Fullerton. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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