California State University-Fresno vs. Fresno Pacific University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fresno in Fresno, CA with Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

California State University Fresno is larger than Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (24,427 students vs. 2,879 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fresno is located in Fresno, CA (Large City setting); Fresno Pacific University is in Fresno, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fresno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fresno Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fresno 22:1; Fresno Pacific University 10:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 14.6% lower than at California State University Fresno ($10,210 vs. $11,960).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.8% higher at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Fresno (about $16,710 more per year; $36,660 vs. $19,950).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University Fresno (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 140.3% larger than aid received by California State University Fresno students ($29,616 vs. $12,326).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at Fresno Pacific University than at California State University-Fresno (20 vs. 18, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at both California State University-Fresno and Fresno Pacific University.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-Fresno Dec 15, 2026; Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Fresno Pacific University average a 3.54 high school GPA, 0.42 higher than at California State University-Fresno (3.12).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.5% at California State University-Fresno vs. 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fresno graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, California State University-Fresno graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($155 vs. $222).
• More California State University-Fresno graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 53%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.