Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Saint Mary's College of California

California State University-San Marcos and Saint Mary's College of California are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA and Saint Mary's College of California is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Moraga, 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 Saint Mary's College of California is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Saint Mary's College of California has more expensive tuition & fees ($57,803) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to Saint Mary's College of California than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while Saint Mary's College of California has 2,734 students.
  • Saint Mary's College of California has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 416 faculties while Saint Mary's College of California has 202 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Saint Mary's College of California
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationMoraga, 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 ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$57,803
63%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$39,110
95.10 %Acceptance Rates86.53 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.47 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate70 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate7 %
79 %Retention Rate85 %
16,237Student Population2,734
416Number of Faculties202
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 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