Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Chapman

California State University-San Marcos and Chapman 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 Chapman is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Orange, 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.

  • Fresno State is a public and Chapman is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Chapman has more expensive tuition & fees ($64,984) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to Chapman than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while Chapman has 9,760 students.
  • Chapman has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Chapman has more full-time faculties with 586 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Chapman University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationOrange, 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 (high research activity)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$64,984
63%% Receiving Financial Aid81%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$31,523
95.10 %Acceptance Rates65.43 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.94 %
-SAT Score1,350
-ACT Score30
55 %Graduation Rate82 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate92 %
16,237Student Population9,760
416Number of Faculties586
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 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