Academic Comparison between Fresno State and UC Santa Cruz

California State University-San Marcos and University of California-Santa Cruz 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.
  • UC Santa Cruz has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,337) than Fresno State ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Santa Cruz than Fresno State.
  • UC Santa Cruz has more students with 19,478 students while Fresno State has 15,109 students.
  • UC Santa Cruz has more full-time faculties with 688 faculties while Fresno State has 392 full-time faculties.
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Fresno State UC Santa Cruz
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.University of California-Santa Cruz
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSanta Cruz, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,560
Out-Of-State$45,337
65%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,896
96.00 %Acceptance Rates63.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate76 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate5 %
72 %Retention Rate88 %
15,109Student Population19,478
392Number of Faculties688
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio23 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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