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California State University-Fullerton and University of California-Merced are both public institutions — California State University-Fullerton in Fullerton, CA and University of California-Merced in Merced, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Fullerton, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 90.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 38,546
Tuition: $20,070/year
Student-faculty ratio: 26.0:1
Graduation rate: 70.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Communication
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Fullerton, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
Merced, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 90.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,372
Tuition: $49,823/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.7%
Top programs: Engineering, Psychology, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Merced, CA with published program strength in Engineering and Psychology.
| Factor | California State University-Fullerton | University of California-Merced |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 90.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 38,546 | 8,372 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,070/year | $49,823/year |
| Average net price after aid | $6,555 | $11,983 |
| Graduation rate | 70.2% | 68.7% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,951 | $64,368 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 26.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Fullerton, CA | Merced, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Communication | Engineering, Psychology, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (90.5% vs 90.5%). California State University-Fullerton has a lower average net price after grant aid ($6,555 vs $11,983). California State University-Fullerton reports the higher graduation rate (70.2% vs 68.7%). California State University-Fullerton is the larger undergraduate campus (38,546 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California State University-Fullerton and University of California-Merced
California State University-Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90.5%; University of California-Merced is around 90.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State University-Fullerton tuition is $20,070/year. University of California-Merced is $49,823/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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