Academic Comparison between UC Santa Cruz and Fresno State

University of California-Santa Cruz and California State University-San Marcos 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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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Santa Cruzvs.California State University-San Marcos
Santa Cruz, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$14,560
Out-Of-State$45,337
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
65%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$20,896Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,305
63.00 %Acceptance Rates96.00 %
10.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
76 %Graduation Rate56 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate3 %
88 %Retention Rate72 %
19,478Student Population15,109
688Number of Faculties392
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio23 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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