California State University-Fresno: 95.4% Acceptance Rate

95.4%Acceptance

$6,980Tuition

21,070Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$61,244Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Fresno

Fresno State built its reputation on agriculture and has grown into one of the largest universities in the CSU system with 21,070 students. The university sits in California's Central Valley, where its deep farming roots still influence strong programs in agriculture, business, and engineering. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Derek Carr and NBA star Paul George, reflecting the school's emphasis on both academics and athletics.

The financial picture works well for most students. Average net price hits just $6,480 annually, making this one of California's most affordable four-year options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $4,447 after aid. Graduates earn a median $61,244 ten years out, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $14,505. Monthly loan payments average $154, reasonable given earning potential.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 62% Hispanic enrollment and nearly all students coming from in-state. The Bulldogs compete in Division I Mountain West athletics across 15 sports. Graduation rates lag at 55% in four years, typical for a large public university serving many first-generation college students. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel large, but the Central Valley location keeps costs low while providing access to major California markets.

Academics & Faculty

Fresno State operates as a full public research university with particularly strong roots in agriculture and applied sciences. The university's agricultural programs rank among the top in California, benefiting from the Central Valley's farming heritage and extensive research facilities. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive reasonable access to professors despite the large campus size. The 55% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many face as first-generation college students, with 56% receiving Pell Grants. Beyond agriculture, the school has built solid reputations in business, engineering, and education. The university serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for the diverse Central Valley population, with 62% Hispanic enrollment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.8%
Retention Rate: 77.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,244
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$152,201
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$102,409
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$101,964
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$90,049
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$86,867
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$85,159
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$76,460
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$73,530
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,009
Education, General.	Master	$69,490

View all 150 programs →

Campus Life

Fresno State sprawls across 388 acres in California's Central Valley, about 200 miles from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. With housing for only 1,228 students out of 21,070 total enrollment, just 6% live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding agricultural region, creating a different vibe than traditional college towns.

The Central Valley heat means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with summer temperatures regularly hitting triple digits. The campus serves as an agricultural center, with working farms and vineyards where students gain hands-on experience. With 62.28% Hispanic enrollment, Fresno State reflects the demographics of California's farming communities. Weekend activities often center around Bulldog athletics, particularly football games at Bulldog Stadium. The Mountain West Conference competition draws passionate crowds. Many students work part-time jobs in agriculture or local businesses, balancing academics with real-world experience. The 93.4% employment rate suggests this practical approach pays off after graduation.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,228 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

112 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	70	1	3	0
Stalking	13	1	1	1
Domestic Violence	5	2	2	0
Burglary	4	1	1	0
Aggravated Assault	4	0	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0
Rape	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–55°F
July Avg: 69°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Fresno State draws almost exclusively from California, with 98% of students staying in-state for their education. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 62%, reflecting the Central Valley's agricultural communities that the university has served since 1911. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, making this an accessible option for working-class families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, partly due to strong programs in education and health sciences. The demographics mirror the university's mission as a regional institution serving California's diverse agricultural heartland.

Men: 41.7%
Women: 58.4%
White: 15.0%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 62.3%
Asian: 11.8%
In-State Students: 98.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.7%

Location

Fresno State sits in California's Central Valley, about 200 miles southeast of San Francisco and 220 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The university serves 21,070 students in Fresno, California's fifth-largest city with over 540,000 residents. The Central Valley is known as America's agricultural heartland, producing much of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Fresno experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters typical of the Mediterranean climate. The Sierra Nevada mountains rise to the east, with Yosemite National Park just 60 miles away. The campus reflects the region's agricultural heritage through its strong farming and business programs. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California State University-Fresno with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fresno, California 93740

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $61,244
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,400
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $154/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,505

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Fresno?

California State University-Fresno accepts 95.43% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students across California. The university primarily serves local students, with 98.16% of enrollment coming from in-state. This open-access approach reflects the CSU system's mission to provide affordable higher education to a diverse student body.

How much does California State University-Fresno cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,480 annually, making it one of the most affordable universities in California. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,447 after aid, while 55.73% of students receive Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average only $154, lower than most four-year institutions.

What academic programs is California State University-Fresno known for?

Fresno State is well-known for its agriculture programs, fitting for a university in the heart of California's Central Valley. The student-faculty ratio of 18:1 allows for reasonable class sizes across its comprehensive program offerings. The university serves a predominantly Hispanic student population at 62.28%, reflecting the demographics of the San Joaquin Valley region.

What are the graduation rates at California State University-Fresno?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 55.52%, while the six-year rate reaches 54.80%. The retention rate of 77.78% shows most students stay enrolled after their first year. Graduates earn a median salary of $61,244 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 93.4%.

Where do students live at California State University-Fresno?

On-campus housing accommodates 1,228 students out of the total 21,070 enrollment, meaning most students commute or live off-campus. Room and board costs $11,634 annually for those who do live on campus. The university operates on a semester system and maintains 15 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I.

Does California State University-Fresno have notable alumni in professional sports?

Fresno State has produced several professional athletes, including NFL quarterback Derek Carr and NBA star Paul George. The Bulldogs compete in the Mountain West Conference with 468 total student-athletes receiving $7.8 million in athletic scholarships. The athletic programs have helped raise the university's profile nationally while serving the local Central Valley community.