Academic Comparison between Fresno State and SCU

California State University-San Marcos and Santa Clara 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 SCU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Santa Clara, 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 SCU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SCU has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,293) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to SCU than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while SCU has 9,728 students.
  • SCU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • SCU has more full-time faculties with 680 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
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Fresno State SCU
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Santa Clara University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSanta Clara, 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$61,293
63%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$27,294
95.10 %Acceptance Rates48.00 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.69 %
-SAT Score1,420
-ACT Score32
55 %Graduation Rate88 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate94 %
16,237Student Population9,728
416Number of Faculties680
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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, On-campus daycare