Skip to content

California State University-Fresno vs Life Pacific University

California State University-Fresno is a public university in Fresno, CA, and Life Pacific University is a private university in San Dimas, CA. California State University-Fresno is the more selective of the two, admitting about 95% of applicants against 96% at Life Pacific University. California State University-Fresno is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,000 a year against $20,898 at Life Pacific University. About 56% of students graduate at California State University-Fresno, compared with 48% at Life Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Fresno alumni earn a median of about $61,244, against $43,299 for Life Pacific University.

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

Life Pacific University

San Dimas, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fresno, CA
San Dimas, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
21,605
456
Acceptance rate
95%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1100
930–1085
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
16–25
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,000
$20,898
Full cost / yr
$20,095
$35,062
In-state tuition
$7,350
$22,118
Out-of-state tuition
$19,950
$22,118
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,105
$16,786
$30k - $48k
$5,429
$18,984
$48k - $75k
$7,196
$18,255
$75k - $110k
$10,291
$23,108
Over $110k
$16,899
$25,877
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
48%
Freshman retention
82%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,012
$35,814
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,244
$43,299
Median debt at graduation
$14,505
$22,395
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
54%
First-generation students
53%
37%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
May 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.

Frequently asked questions
Is California State University-Fresno or Life Pacific University harder to get into?
California State University-Fresno is harder to get into. It admits about 95% of applicants, compared with 96% at Life Pacific University. 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 Life Pacific University?
California State University-Fresno is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,000 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,898 at Life Pacific University. 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 Life Pacific University?
Before aid, California State University-Fresno costs about $20,095 a year and Life Pacific University about $35,062. 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 Life Pacific University?
California State University-Fresno. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,105 there, against about $16,786 at Life Pacific University. 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 Life Pacific University?
California State University-Fresno is the larger of the two, with about 21,605 undergraduates against 456 at Life Pacific University.
Does California State University-Fresno or Life Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
California State University-Fresno has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 48% at Life Pacific University.
Do graduates of California State University-Fresno or Life Pacific University earn more?
California State University-Fresno alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,244 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,299 for Life Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State University-Fresno and Life Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
California State University-Fresno is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Life Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California State University-Fresno and Life Pacific University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1100 at California State University-Fresno and 930–1085 at Life Pacific University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school