Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Palo Alto University

California State University-San Marcos and Palo Alto University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA and Palo Alto University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Palo Alto, CA.

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.

  • Fresno State is a public and Palo Alto University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Palo Alto University has more expensive tuition & fees ($23,096) than Fresno State ($19,614).
  • Fresno State has more students with 15,109 students while Palo Alto University has 1,129 students.
  • Palo Alto University has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 392 faculties while Palo Alto University has 51 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Palo Alto University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationPalo Alto, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationOther health professions school
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees$23,096
65%% Receiving Financial Aid76%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,749
96.00 %Acceptance Rates-
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)-
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate-
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate-
15,109Student Population1,129
392Number of Faculties51
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service