Academic Comparison between USC and Fresno State

University of Southern California and California State University-San Marcos are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. USC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Los Angeles, 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.

  • USC is a private (not-for-profit) and Fresno State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,237) than Fresno State ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than Fresno State.
  • USC has more students with 48,945 students while Fresno State has 15,109 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,403 faculties while Fresno State has 392 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Southern Californiavs.California State University-San Marcos
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$68,2372024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
68%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$43,570Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,305
10.00 %Acceptance Rates96.00 %
44.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.00 %
1,510SAT Score-
33ACT Score-
92 %Graduation Rate56 %
-Transfer-out Rate3 %
97 %Retention Rate72 %
48,945Student Population15,109
2,403Number of Faculties392
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio23 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial 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