Academic Comparison between Pepperdine University and Fresno State

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

  • Pepperdine University is a private (not-for-profit) and Fresno State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Pepperdine University has more expensive tuition & fees ($66,742) than Fresno State ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to Pepperdine University than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 15,109 students while Pepperdine University has 10,030 students.
  • Pepperdine University has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 392 faculties while Pepperdine University has 391 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pepperdine Universityvs.California State University-San Marcos
Malibu, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$66,7422024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
92%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$33,245Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,305
49.85 %Acceptance Rates95.70 %
11.79 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.66 %
1,360SAT Score-
30ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate56 %
-Transfer-out Rate3 %
88 %Retention Rate72 %
10,030Student Population15,109
391Number of Faculties392
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio23 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare