Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Fullerton vs California State University-Long Beach
Compare average net price ($6,555 at California State University-Fullerton; $10,440 at California State University-Long Beach), ROI score (24.01 vs 15.42), ten-year median earnings ($62,951 vs $64,403), and admissions selectivity (90.5% acceptance at California State University-Fullerton; 46.3% at California State University-Long Beach) using federal College Scorecard data. California State University-Fullerton has a 4-2 metric-level edge. California State University-Fullerton leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | California State University-Fullerton | California State University-Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 24.01 ✓ | 15.42 |
| Avg net price | $6,555 ✓ | $10,440 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,951 | $64,403 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 46.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 70.2% ✓ | 68.9% |
| Median debt | $13,750 ✓ | $14,289 |
| Enrollment | 38,546 | 35,924 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
California State University-Long Beach costs $3,885 more per year than California State University-Fullerton ($10,440 vs $6,555). California State University-Long Beach graduates report $1,452 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,403 vs $62,951). On EduGradify's model that puts California State University-Fullerton ahead on projected ROI (24.01 vs 15.42, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (California State University-Fullerton) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, California State University-Fullerton is accessible at 90.5% acceptance versus 46.3% (selective) at California State University-Long Beach.
Frequently asked
California State University-Fullerton vs California State University-Long Beach, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Fullerton or California State University-Long Beach the better value?
California State University-Fullerton has the higher EduGradify ROI score (24.01 vs 15.42), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
California State University-Fullerton is cheaper — average net price $6,555 per year vs $10,440 at California State University-Long Beach. The annual difference of $3,885 adds up to about $15,540 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California State University-Long Beach reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,403 vs $62,951 at California State University-Fullerton. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,452.
Which school is harder to get into?
California State University-Long Beach is more selective at 46.3% acceptance vs 90.5% at California State University-Fullerton.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. California State University-Fullerton reports a A+ value grade; California State University-Long Beach reports A.