Head to head · California
California State University-Fullerton costs less than University of California-San Diego at every income band federal data covers — between $3,852 and $13,154 less per year, depending on what you earn.
| Household income | California State University | University of California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $3,315 | $7,525 | $4,210 |
| $30–48k | $4,123 | $8,155 | $4,032 |
| $48–75k | $6,090 | $9,942 | $3,852 |
| $75–110k | $8,930 | $15,199 | $6,269 |
| Over $110k | $15,631 | $28,785 | $13,154 |
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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Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed California State University first, then University of California. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.
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.
California State University-Fullerton — every income band · University of California-San Diego — every income band · All California public colleges