Academic Comparison between Fresno State and USD

California State University-San Marcos and University of San Diego are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA and USD is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in San Diego, 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 USD is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • USD has more expensive tuition & fees ($56,444) than Fresno State ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to USD than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 15,109 students while USD has 8,815 students.
  • USD has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • USD has more full-time faculties with 486 faculties while Fresno State has 392 full-time faculties.
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Fresno State USD
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.University of San Diego
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, 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 ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees$56,444
65%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$34,473
96.00 %Acceptance Rates47.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate82 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate90 %
15,109Student Population8,815
392Number of Faculties486
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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