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California State University-San Bernardino vs California State University-Sacramento

California State University-San Bernardino is a public university in San Bernardino, CA. California State University-Sacramento is a public university in Sacramento, CA. Both admit about 94% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $4,564 a year at California State University-San Bernardino after aid, and about $9,338 at California State University-Sacramento. About 56% of students graduate at California State University-Sacramento, compared with 55% at California State University-San Bernardino. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Sacramento alumni earn a median of about $64,876, against $59,977 for California State University-San Bernardino.

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
San Bernardino, CA
Sacramento, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,023
28,350
Acceptance rate
94%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
3.14–3.64
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1080
930–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
17–23
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$4,564
$9,338
Full cost / yr
$17,427
$22,945
In-state tuition
$8,093
$8,018
Out-of-state tuition
$20,693
$20,618
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,681
$6,501
$30k - $48k
$2,680
$7,001
$48k - $75k
$4,735
$9,212
$75k - $110k
$7,745
$11,814
Over $110k
$14,316
$18,861
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
56%
Freshman retention
80%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,149
$51,074
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,977
$64,876
Median debt at graduation
$14,715
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
49%
First-generation students
60%
49%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 31
Dec 15

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-San Bernardino or California State University-Sacramento harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 94% 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-San Bernardino or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-San Bernardino is cheaper on average. Students pay about $4,564 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $9,338 at California State University-Sacramento. 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-San Bernardino and California State University-Sacramento?
Before aid, California State University-San Bernardino costs about $17,427 a year and California State University-Sacramento about $22,945. 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-San Bernardino or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-San Bernardino. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,681 there, against about $6,501 at California State University-Sacramento. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-Sacramento is the larger of the two, with about 28,350 undergraduates against 15,023 at California State University-San Bernardino.
Does California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Sacramento have a better graduation rate?
California State University-Sacramento has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 55% at California State University-San Bernardino.
Do graduates of California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Sacramento earn more?
California State University-Sacramento alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,977 for California State University-San Bernardino. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State University-San Bernardino and California State University-Sacramento require SAT or ACT scores?
California State University-San Bernardino considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. California State University-Sacramento is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California State University-San Bernardino and California State University-Sacramento look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1080 at California State University-San Bernardino and 930–1130 at California State University-Sacramento. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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