California State University-Fullerton
California State University-Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90.5%, annual tuition of $7,470, average net price of $6,555, and a national rank of #217 (Grade A-), with a 70.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 38,546 undergraduates, and median earnings of $63,753 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
California State University-Fullerton is a public university in Fullerton, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, and 82.4% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 198.9%, roughly 149.0 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is California State University-Fullerton Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California State University-Fullerton graduates 70.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 80.1% and keeps 82.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California State University-Fullerton's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $7,470 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,005 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,080 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,443 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $18,269 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.1% of California State University-Fullerton students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $3,315 annually, while high-income families pay $15,631. Use California State University-Fullerton's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,930/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,631/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $63,753
- 10-Year Median Earnings $62,951
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $13,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.2%
- Employment Rate 90.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California State University-Fullerton graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
California State University-Fullerton vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California State University-Fullerton's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California State University-Fullerton's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 198.9% return on investment, California State University-Fullerton delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $63,753 median—+6% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 38,546
- Full-Time Students 82.2%
- Part-Time Students 17.8%
- Retention Rate 82.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 70.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 80.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 26:1
How to Get Into California State University-Fullerton
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California State University-Fullerton requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 90.5%, California State University-Fullerton is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 90.5% acceptance rate, California State University-Fullerton is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California State University-Fullerton undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Communication and Media Studies, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 24.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 7.5%
- Psychology, General 7.5%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.3%
- Sociology 3.9%
See more majors
- Fine and Studio Arts 3.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $116,259
- 2. Computer Engineering $113,278
- 3. Computer Science $108,989
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $95,011
- 5. Civil Engineering $93,096
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $93,073
- 7. Economics $86,084
- 8. Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $79,103
- 9. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $76,273
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $73,048
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $210,792
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $176,728
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $134,881
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $133,374
- 5. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $118,312
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $115,490
- 7. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $111,024
- 8. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $108,624
- 9. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Master's Degree) $106,631
- 10. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $102,350
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $116,259—59% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($73,048). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $210,792 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for California State University-Fullerton. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 730 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 723 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 562 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 518 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 376 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (47 programs)▼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Human Services, General
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Civil Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- History
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- International Business
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Area Studies
- Music
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Economics
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Public Administration
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Anthropology
- Dance
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Philosophy
- Physics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Engineering, General
- Community Organization and Advocacy
Online Master's Degrees (40 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Accounting and Related Services
- History
- Statistics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Taxation
- Public Administration
- Music
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Public Health
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Sociology
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Gerontology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Area Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Biotechnology
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Music
- Design and Applied Arts
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 38,546
- Full-Time Students 82.2%
- Part-Time Students 17.8%
- Male Students 44.1%
- Female Students 55.9%
- Caucasian 13.2%
- Asian 20.8%
- Hispanic 56.2%
- Black 2.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California State University-Fullerton's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California State University-Fullerton's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-Fullerton support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-Fullerton, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Fullerton has a diverse student body, with 13.2% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-Fullerton support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-Fullerton, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California State University-Fullerton achieves an impressive 198.9% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #217 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $63,753 median earnings while paying just $6,555 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 70.2% graduation rate and 82.4% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why California State University-Fullerton Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies California State University-Fullerton as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: California State University-Fullerton's 198.9% ROI stems from balancing $63,753 median post-graduation earnings against $6,555 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 198.9% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a A- grade and #217 ranking, California State University-Fullerton represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 70.2% graduation rate sits 7.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.4% first-year retention is 5.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 198.9% return on investment is 149.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $63,753 run about 6% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $6,555 is roughly $13,524 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 26:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.2% employment rate within three years sits 22.0 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University-Fullerton operates as a public university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It stands at #217 among 1962 schools Completion earns B+, Support C, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
82.4% of learners come back after year one while 70.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (80.1% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 198.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $6,555 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $18,269.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,714 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $63,753 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 6% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.2%.
Plan around an ROI of about 198.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
90.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California State University-Fullerton admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is California State University-Fullerton's acceptance rate?
California State University-Fullerton's acceptance rate is 90.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does California State University-Fullerton cost?
At California State University-Fullerton, listed tuition and fees are $7,470 per year, and the average net price after aid is $6,555. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is California State University-Fullerton's ranking?
California State University-Fullerton ranks #217 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is California State University-Fullerton's graduation rate?
At California State University-Fullerton, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 70.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 80.1%, and first-year retention is 82.4%.
What are California State University-Fullerton's job outcomes?
Graduates of California State University-Fullerton report median earnings of $63,753 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is California State University-Fullerton's student population?
California State University-Fullerton enrolls about 38,546 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Fullerton, CA 92832-3599
- Website www.fullerton.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$130.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.8%