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.

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 Stanford is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Stanford has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,910) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to Stanford than Fresno State.
  • Stanford has more students with 18,625 students while Fresno State has 16,237 students.
  • Stanford has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Stanford has more full-time faculties with 4,218 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
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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