Image unavailable
Rank: 62

California State University-Fresno

California State University, Fresno, commonly referred to as Fresno State, is part of the 23-campus California State University system. It has about 24,000 students, including over 21,000 undergrads, in its eight schools and colleges. The 388-acre campus and its 1,000-acre farm are located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in central California's San Joaquin Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. Students put their geographical advantage to good use; they operate the acclaimed Fresno State Winery. Fresno State considers itself one of the country's most diverse institutions of higher education -- in fact, the school's motto is "Discovery. Diversity. Distinction." Its undergraduate population is nearly half Hispanic, and a significant portion of Bulldogs are first-generation college students. While only 54% of students graduate within six years, that's still nearly 29% higher than schools with comparable student bodies. One of Fresno State's time-honored traditions is Vintage Days, a celebration where students and guests gather for games, beer, concerts, pony rides, wing-eating contests, and more. Year-round entertainment can be found at Bulldog Bowl, which has 12 bowling lanes that offer "the cleanest and cheapest game in town."
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
FALL 2020 PLAN: Fresno State is following California State University system guidelines in switching most classes to virtual, with some in-person classes and amenities.
costs
Est. Full Price 2020-2021
$22,000
% of students who get any grants
77%
Est. price for students who receive aid
$7,100
Average price for low-income students
$4,200
admissions
Acceptance rate
58%
Median SAT/ACT Score
1020/19
SAT/ACT Required for Fall 2021?
no
Enrollment
21,730
Financial Aid
% of students with need who get grants
89%
% of need met
71%
% of students who get merit* grants
3%
Average merit grant
$2,920
student success
Graduation rate
54%
Average time to a degree
5 years
Average student debt
$15,000
Average salary within 5 years
$48,000
% earning more than $28,000
74%
key deadlines
Early decision application
N/A
Regular application
N/A

* Share of full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants.

* Full price of attendance includes on-campus room & board fees, which may not be applicable to all colleges' reopening plans this year.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson's, PayScale.com, Money/American Institutes for Research calculations, Opportunity Insights.

coronavirus update

FALL 2020 PLAN: Fresno State is following California State University system guidelines in switching most classes to virtual, with some in-person classes and amenities.

* Share of full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants.

* Full price of attendance includes on-campus room & board fees, which may not be applicable to all colleges' reopening plans this year.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson's, PayScale.com, Money/American Institutes for Research calculations, Opportunity Insights.

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Sign up to receive the latest updates and smartest advice from the editors of Money

SUBSCRIBE