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California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA·Public·21,070 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. 56% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

96%
Accept
21,070
Students
$6,480
Net Price
55%
Grad Rate
$48,500
Earnings
10 yr
$12,463
Debt

About This School

California State University-Fresno is a public institution located in Fresno, California with approximately 21,070 undergraduate students enrolled. California State University-Fresno has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $6,480 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $48,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

California State University, Fresno is a public university in Fresno, California, United States. It is part of the California State University system. The university had a fall 2020 enrollment of 25,341 students. It offers 60 bachelor's degree program, 45 master's degree programs, 3 doctoral degree programs, 12 certificates of advanced study, and 2 different teaching credentials. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". Fresno is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and is eligible to be designated as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $6,480/year net price and a low median debt of $12,463, Fresno State is genuinely affordable, making it a smart financial choice for students who need to keep costs down. However, the 55% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly half of students who start don't finish — so ask yourself honestly whether you have the support system and plan to see it through. If you do graduate, median earnings of $48,500 a decade out are modest but reasonable, particularly for students entering fields like agriculture, education, or regional business in the Central Valley.

Founded
1911
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Psychology13%
Business & Marketing12%
Social Sciences12%
Health Professions8%
Biological Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Engineering3%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Marcus GarveySam PeckinpahEdward James OlmosPaul GeorgeRick HusbandRobert BeltranAlexander BustamantePaul H. O'NeillDaniel SilvaSteven R. NagelDot JonesJoe Odagiri

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,980
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,860
Avg Net Price
$6,480
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants56%
Median debt at graduation$12,463

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
55%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,463
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,463
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.9x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White15%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino62%
Asian12%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (21,070 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California State University-Fresno

5241 N Maple Ave

Fresno, CA 93740

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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