Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Pepperdine

California State University-San Marcos and Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Malibu, 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 Pepperdine is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Pepperdine has more expensive tuition & fees ($69,918) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to Pepperdine than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while Pepperdine has 8,976 students.
  • Pepperdine has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 416 faculties while Pepperdine has 402 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Pepperdine University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationMalibu, 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 ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$69,918
63%% Receiving Financial Aid90%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$34,751
95.10 %Acceptance Rates62.86 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.64 %
-SAT Score1,370
-ACT Score31
55 %Graduation Rate83 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate88 %
16,237Student Population8,976
416Number of Faculties402
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, 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