Skip to content

California State University-Fresno vs West Coast University-Orange County

California State University-Fresno is a public university in Fresno, CA, and West Coast University-Orange County is a private for-profit university in Anaheim, CA. Both admit about 95% of applicants. California State University-Fresno is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,000 a year against $32,879 at West Coast University-Orange County. About 61% of students graduate at West Coast University-Orange County, compared with 56% at California State University-Fresno. Ten years after enrolling, West Coast University-Orange County alumni earn a median of about $102,672, against $61,244 for California State University-Fresno.

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

West Coast University-Orange County

Anaheim, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Fresno, CA
Anaheim, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
21,605
3,192
Acceptance rate
95%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1100
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,000
$32,879
Full cost / yr
$20,095
$34,887
In-state tuition
$7,350
$22,506
Out-of-state tuition
$19,950
$22,506
Application fee
$70
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,105
$29,867
$30k - $48k
$5,429
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$7,196
$34,887
$75k - $110k
$10,291
Not reported
Over $110k
$16,899
$34,887
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
61%
Freshman retention
82%
100%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,012
$96,114
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,244
$102,672
Median debt at graduation
$14,505
$32,946
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
41%
First-generation students
53%
40%
International students
2%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
Rolling

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 West Coast University-Orange County 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 West Coast University-Orange County?
California State University-Fresno is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,000 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,879 at West Coast University-Orange County. 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 West Coast University-Orange County?
Before aid, California State University-Fresno costs about $20,095 a year and West Coast University-Orange County about $34,887. 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 West Coast University-Orange County?
California State University-Fresno. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,105 there, against about $29,867 at West Coast University-Orange County. 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 West Coast University-Orange County?
California State University-Fresno is the larger of the two, with about 21,605 undergraduates against 3,192 at West Coast University-Orange County.
Does California State University-Fresno or West Coast University-Orange County have a better graduation rate?
West Coast University-Orange County has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 56% at California State University-Fresno.
Do graduates of California State University-Fresno or West Coast University-Orange County earn more?
West Coast University-Orange County alumni earn more on average: a median of about $102,672 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,244 for California State University-Fresno. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

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