About California State University-Fullerton
Cal State Fullerton serves as a major educational center for Orange County, enrolling 36,956 students in a large suburban setting. The university has built a strong reputation for its business and engineering programs, attracting students who want solid career preparation without the high costs of private schools. Notable graduates include actor Kevin Costner and former NBA coach Phil Jackson, showing the school's reach across different fields. With a 67% acceptance rate, Fullerton remains accessible while maintaining academic standards that prepare students for competitive job markets.
The financial picture looks good for most families. Students pay an average net price of $5,646 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $2,675. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings hit $62,951, while typical student debt sits at only $13,750 with monthly payments of $146. This combination of low debt and solid earnings makes Fullerton one of the better financial deals in California higher education.
The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with 54% Hispanic students and 22% Asian students creating a campus that mirrors the region's demographics. Nearly 99% of students come from California, giving the school a strong local focus. The 85% retention rate shows students generally like what they find, though the 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common.
The financial picture looks good for most families. Students pay an average net price of $5,646 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $2,675. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings hit $62,951, while typical student debt sits at only $13,750 with monthly payments of $146. This combination of low debt and solid earnings makes Fullerton one of the better financial deals in California higher education.
The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with 54% Hispanic students and 22% Asian students creating a campus that mirrors the region's demographics. Nearly 99% of students come from California, giving the school a strong local focus. The 85% retention rate shows students generally like what they find, though the 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common.
Academics & Faculty
Cal State Fullerton serves as a large public research university with particularly strong business and engineering programs that reflect Orange County's tech and corporate landscape. With 36,956 students and a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, this is definitely a big school experience where you'll need to be proactive about getting help. The 69% graduation rate is solid for a large public university, though it means about one in three students don't finish in six years. The business school feeds directly into major Orange County employers like Disney and aerospace companies, while the engineering program benefits from proximity to tech firms. Students here get a practical education focused on job readiness rather than theoretical research.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,951
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $157,680 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $114,595 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $110,241 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $94,408 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $86,129 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $86,042 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,779 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $78,971 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $78,343 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $76,325 |
Campus Life
Cal State Fullerton sits 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles in Orange County, where you'll need sunscreen year-round but never a heavy winter coat. With only 2,278 housing spots for 36,956 students, about 94% of students commute to campus daily. This creates a different vibe than traditional college towns - most students drive to campus, attend classes, and head home or to work afterward.
The campus buzzes during weekdays but empties on weekends as students scatter across Orange County. Many work part-time jobs while studying, which makes sense given that 54% are Hispanic and many are first-generation college students supporting families. Weekend social life happens off-campus at nearby beaches like Huntington and Newport, just 20 minutes away, or at house parties in the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. The diversity here is real - with students from 21% Asian backgrounds and heavy representation from working-class families throughout SoCal, you'll hear multiple languages walking between classes and experience food from dozens of cultures.
The campus buzzes during weekdays but empties on weekends as students scatter across Orange County. Many work part-time jobs while studying, which makes sense given that 54% are Hispanic and many are first-generation college students supporting families. Weekend social life happens off-campus at nearby beaches like Huntington and Newport, just 20 minutes away, or at house parties in the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. The diversity here is real - with students from 21% Asian backgrounds and heavy representation from working-class families throughout SoCal, you'll hear multiple languages walking between classes and experience food from dozens of cultures.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,278 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
118 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 26 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 48°–71°F
- July Avg
- 65°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 13.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Cal State Fullerton draws heavily from Orange County and surrounding areas, with 99% of students staying close to home for college. The campus reflects Southern California's changing demographics, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 54% and significant Asian representation at 22%. Nearly half the students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation college students and families building economic mobility. The 57% female enrollment reflects strong programs in education, health sciences, and business that tend to attract more women. This is a school where local kids from diverse backgrounds come to launch careers without breaking the bank.
- Men
- 43.1%
- Women
- 56.9%
- White
- 14.4%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 54.3%
- Asian
- 21.5%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.1%
Location
Cal State Fullerton sits in Fullerton, California, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles in the heart of Orange County. The campus serves a large suburban area known for its diverse communities and proximity to both beaches and entertainment. Fullerton itself is a mid-sized city that blends residential neighborhoods with business districts, giving students access to internships and jobs without the intense pace of LA proper. The school draws 98.97% of its students from California, mostly from the surrounding region. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State Fullerton with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fullerton, California 92832-3599
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,951
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,730
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $146/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Fullerton?
Cal State Fullerton accepts 66.72% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a large public university. The school serves as an accessible option for Orange County students, with 98.97% of students coming from in-state.
How much does California State University-Fullerton cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,646 annually, lower than the sticker price. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,675 per year, making this one of California's most affordable university options.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University-Fullerton?
The student-faculty ratio is 22:1, reflecting the challenges of a large public university with 36,956 students. Cal State Fullerton is known for strong business and engineering programs despite the higher class sizes typical of major state schools.
What do graduates of California State University-Fullerton typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $62,951 ten years after graduation, with a strong 92.8% employment rate. Graduates carry a manageable median debt of $13,750, leading to monthly loan payments of just $146.
Where do students live at California State University-Fullerton?
On-campus housing accommodates only 2,278 students out of nearly 37,000 enrolled, meaning most students commute from the surrounding Orange County suburbs. Room and board costs $18,348 annually for those who do live on campus.
How diverse is California State University-Fullerton?
The student body is 54.32% Hispanic and 21.51% Asian, making it one of the most diverse campuses in the Cal State system. Women comprise 56.88% of students, and the university reflects the multicultural character of modern Orange County.
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