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Head to head · California

California State University-Fullerton vs California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Fullerton costs less than California State University-Long Beach at every income band federal data covers — between $3,615 and $4,119 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeCalifornia State UniversityCalifornia State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$3,315$7,183$3,868
$30–48k$4,123$7,831$3,708
$48–75k$6,090$9,705$3,615
$75–110k$8,930$12,630$3,700
Over $110k$15,631$19,750$4,119

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

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Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →

Four years, at $75–110k

California State University-Fullerton$37,640
California State University-Long Beach$53,235
Difference over four years$15,596

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate91% · 46%
Average SAT— · —

Listed California State University first, then California State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$62,951 · $64,403
Graduate in four years39% · 38%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$13,750 · $14,289

Again California State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

California State University-Fullerton — every income band · California State University-Long Beach — every income band · All California public colleges