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California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA·Public·28,350 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. a public school with 28,350 students.

94%
Accept
28,350
Students
$9,338
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$54,200
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

California State University-Sacramento is a public institution located in Sacramento, California with approximately 28,350 undergraduate students enrolled. California State University-Sacramento has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $9,338 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $54,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

California State University, Sacramento is a public university in Sacramento, California, United States. Founded in 1947 as Sacramento State College, it is part of the California State University system.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $10,512/year average net price and only $12,500 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree in California, and the Sacramento location offers real access to state government internships and employers. That said, the 56% graduation rate is a genuine concern — nearly half of students who start don't finish, which is worth asking hard questions about before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, self-directed, and have a clear plan for staying on track.

Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$11,717

Popular Programs

Health Professions14%
Business & Marketing13%
Social Sciences9%
Psychology8%
Engineering6%
Communications5%
Education5%
Computer Science5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

What This School Looks For

From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2024-25). What the admissions office actually weighs:

Academic GPAVery Important
State residencyConsidered
Geographical residenceConsidered

Early vs. Regular Decision

Overall
94%
All applicants
27,868 students applied, 26,036 were admitted, and 3,988 enrolled.

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,018
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,618
Avg Net Price
$9,338
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$6,501
$30–48k$7,001
$48–75k$9,212
$75–110k$11,814
$110k+$18,861

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants49%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
82%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$44,700
Female graduates$39,700

Gap: 11% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

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

White23%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino38%
Asian21%
Two or more races6%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander1%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (28,350 undergraduates).

In the Classroom & On Campus

Class size distribution

Under 20
28.8%
20–29
31.5%
30–39
18.3%
40–49
9.4%
50–99
8.4%
100+
2.3%
Student–Faculty Ratio
23:1
Faculty with PhD/Terminal Degree
55%
Greek Life Participation
2% / 3%
fraternities / sororities

Source: California State University-Sacramento Common Data Set (2024-25).

Contact & Location

Address

California State University-Sacramento

6000 J St

Sacramento, CA 95819-2694

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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