Academic Comparison between Stanford and Fresno State

Stanford University and California State University-San Marcos are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Stanford is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Stanford, CA and Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, 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.

  • Stanford is a private (not-for-profit) and Fresno State is a public 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

Stanford Universityvs.California State University-San Marcos
Stanford, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$65,9102025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
66%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$58,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,025
3.61 %Acceptance Rates95.10 %
81.91 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.99 %
1,550SAT Score-
35ACT Score-
92 %Graduation Rate55 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate4 %
98 %Retention Rate79 %
18,625Student Population16,237
4,218Number of Faculties416
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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