Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Stanford

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

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Stanford University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationStanford, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$65,910
63%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,449
95.10 %Acceptance Rates3.61 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)81.91 %
-SAT Score1,550
-ACT Score35
55 %Graduation Rate92 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
79 %Retention Rate98 %
16,237Student Population18,625
416Number of Faculties4,218
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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