Academic Comparison between Fresno State and USC

California State University-San Marcos and University of Southern 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 USC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Los Angeles, 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 USC is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($71,647) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than Fresno State.
  • USC has more students with 46,566 students while Fresno State has 16,237 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Fresno State USC
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.University of Southern California
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationLos Angeles, 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$71,647
63%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$48,649
95.10 %Acceptance Rates9.81 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)43.34 %
-SAT Score1,500
-ACT Score33
55 %Graduation Rate92 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate96 %
16,237Student Population46,566
416Number of Faculties2,442
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare