Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Sacramento State

California State University-San Marcos and California State University-Sacramento are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Fresno State has more expensive tuition & fees ($19,614) than Sacramento State ($19,482).
  • It is harder to admit to Sacramento State than Fresno State.
  • Sacramento State has more students with 31,818 students while Fresno State has 15,109 students.
  • Fresno State has a lower number of students per faculty with 23 to 1 while Sacramento State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Sacramento State has more full-time faculties with 821 faculties while Fresno State has 392 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.California State University-Sacramento
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSacramento, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,602
Out-Of-State$19,482
65%% Receiving Financial Aid71%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,951
96.00 %Acceptance Rates94.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate54 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate3 %
72 %Retention Rate80 %
15,109Student Population31,818
392Number of Faculties821
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare