California State University-Fresno vs California State University-San Marcos
California State University-Fresno is a public university in Fresno, CA. California State University-San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, CA. Both admit about 95% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $7,000 a year at California State University-Fresno after aid, and about $10,229 at California State University-San Marcos. About 56% of students graduate at California State University-Fresno, compared with 54% at California State University-San Marcos. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-San Marcos alumni earn a median of about $62,908, against $61,244 for California State University-Fresno.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fresno, CA
San Marcos, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
21,605
14,877
Acceptance rate
95%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1100
950–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
17–22
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,000
$10,229
Full cost / yr
$20,095
$21,649
In-state tuition
$7,350
$8,082
Out-of-state tuition
$19,950
$20,682
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,105
$6,230
$30k - $48k
$5,429
$7,240
$48k - $75k
$7,196
$8,928
$75k - $110k
$10,291
$12,525
Over $110k
$16,899
$18,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
54%
Freshman retention
82%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,012
$48,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,244
$62,908
Median debt at graduation
$14,505
$17,350
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
43%
First-generation students
53%
48%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
Dec 1
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.
- Is California State University-Fresno or California State University-San Marcos harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 95% 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 State University-Fresno or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-Fresno is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,000 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $10,229 at California State University-San Marcos. 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 State University-Fresno and California State University-San Marcos?
- Before aid, California State University-Fresno costs about $20,095 a year and California State University-San Marcos about $21,649. 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 State University-Fresno or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-Fresno. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,105 there, against about $6,230 at California State University-San Marcos. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-Fresno or California State University-San Marcos?
- California State University-Fresno is the larger of the two, with about 21,605 undergraduates against 14,877 at California State University-San Marcos.
- Does California State University-Fresno or California State University-San Marcos have a better graduation rate?
- California State University-Fresno has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 54% at California State University-San Marcos.
- Do graduates of California State University-Fresno or California State University-San Marcos earn more?
- California State University-San Marcos alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,908 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,244 for California State University-Fresno. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Fresno and California State University-San Marcos require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Fresno is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California State University-San Marcos is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Fresno and California State University-San Marcos look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1100 at California State University-Fresno and 950–1130 at California State University-San Marcos. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-Fresno vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Fresno vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Fresno vs University of California-BerkeleyCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Stanford UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Loyola Marymount UniversityCalifornia State University-San Marcos vs Santa Clara University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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