Founded in 1957, California State University-Fullerton. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 34,576 full time undergraduate students, and 5,659 full time graduate students.
The California State University-Fullerton Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 25:1. There are 1016 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at California State University-Fullerton include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
48%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
55
SAT Range
920-1120
ACT Range
19-24
Admissions at CSUF are considered More Selective, with ,68% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
92% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 55% were in the top quarter, and 16% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at California State University-Fullerton.
144 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
149 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
239 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
246 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
245 Students rated class size 3.9 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
246 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
246 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
246 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
California State University-Fullerton REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of California State University-Fullerton?
126 Students rated California State University-Fullerton
claudio
Prospective04/25/2025
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) seems like a place where I can really develop both academically and personally, which is why I want to enroll there. I find CSUF's robust support for diverse and first-generation students to be particularly noteworthy. There is a friendly atmosphere on campus, and from what I've heard from current students, the instructors genuinely care about your success.
The academic programs also excite me. In order to prepare students for real-world careers, CSUF provides experiential learning, internships, and networking opportunities. I'm confident I'll receive the ideal balance of classroom instruction and practical experience through their business, education, or communications programs.
Campus life is another important factor. Become a Titan and take advantage of the many student organizations, cultural events, and strong Titan spirit!
Jaan
Prospective04/23/2025
What is the rating I'll be giving to California State University Fullerton. There are many aspects to "ranking" a university and all are very important. I'll be rating based on what I think is important. What is important to me is the nature of the University based on how welcoming it is and the courses that the school offers to help me achieve my education goal.
The campus of CSUF is very bit but it is walkable from every direction within 10-15 minutes. When I first walked on the campus, I was greeted very kindly and all the attending students were very welcoming. This gives the environment a very welcoming feel. The students are also very nice providing a community where I can find support from. With this very nice community, it has increased my liking for CSUF
This University also has many opportunities for future Civil Engineering students. With their Civil Engineering opportunities like the 4+1 plan, there are opportunities open to me for the degree I want to achieve. That is not the only thing I like about CSUF, it is also about the internship opportunities. No matter what college year you are on you have an opportunity to get an internship to gain experience and understand the work your career field that you are going into. This is important to me so that I can get experience for the field I will work in after college but will also help me what I want to specialize in for CSUF.
With all of this in mind, CSUF will provide me the educational and communitive support to achieve the goals I have for college. I am hoping for my stay at CSUF.
Kaitlyn
04/18/2025
I absolutely love attending California State University Fullerton. As a Music Education major, I am finding success in my field and professors who encourage me to do my best. There is a thriving community of musicians who are very passionate and encouraging. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
Prabhsimran
Prospective04/16/2025
I want to attend California State University–Fullerton because it feels like the perfect mix of opportunity, community, and a fresh start. I’ve always wanted to experience living in new places, and being near LA is like my first real step toward that. It’s such a diverse, energetic area, and I feel like living there will help me grow and push myself in new ways.
I’m planning to major in Business and minor in Law, and CSUF has strong programs in both areas. I like that the classes are practical and focused on real-world experience. I want to build a solid foundation in business while also learning about the legal side of things so I can eventually go to law school. CSUF seems like the kind of place that will support both of those goals.
I’ve also heard a lot of good things about the campus culture like how inclusive and community-focused it is. That’s really important to me. I want to be somewhere that feels like home, where I can meet people from different backgrounds, be friends with them and be also involved.
Overall, CSUF feels like a place where I can learn, grow, and experience something totally new.
Norah
Prospective04/15/2025
What attracts me to California State University-Fullerton is the beautiful surroundings/campus, the education options, and the culture of the students. It seems like a place I would feel comfortable in along with stuff to do around it and not too far from home either. Admittedly, I need to do more research, but I feel from what I know so far it seems like a beautiful place to be.
Daniel
Prospective04/09/2025
The first time I set foot on California State University-Fullerton's campus was in April 2024, during an all-expenses-paid field trip for qualifying high school juniors. I was immediately captivated by Fullerton's beautiful campus—its fresh, modern buildings complemented by immaculate surroundings. The environment felt vibrant and welcoming as student life flourished all around us. Our student guides, Fullerton attendees themselves, embodied the university's energy and community spirit. This visit confirmed CSUF as my dream college, not only for its impressive campus but primarily for its outstanding business program, which aligns perfectly with my educational aspirations. That day, I could envision myself thriving both academically and personally as part of the Fullerton community.
Arely
Prospective04/06/2025
What attracts me to California State University-Fullerton is how it feels like a place where I could really grow—both academically and personally. I’ve looked into the psychology and human services programs, and I love how CSUF offers strong support for students interested in careers like therapy, which is what I hope to pursue. It seems like a school where I’d be surrounded by people who care, including professors who want their students to succeed.
I also love how diverse the campus is. As a first-generation student, it means a lot to know there are programs that help students like me adjust and thrive in college. I’ve read that CSUF offers a strong sense of community, and that’s something I really value—especially coming from a tight-knit family where support means everything.
I would give CSUF a 4 out of 5 overall. It checks a lot of the boxes for me: great academic programs, a welcoming campus, and affordable tuition. The only thing that’s tough is that it’s not super close to where I live, but I know it would still be worth the move. It’s definitely one of the schools that made me feel like college was possible for me.
Vianca
Prospective04/04/2025
I've heard this school had a lot of campus diversity which is hard to find now in day, and specifically for my career, I've heard they have a good reputation. Other than that the school offers a lot of career opportunities as well. The campus looks nice as well which is why it intrigued me.
Daisy
11/27/2024
Cal State Fullerton is one of the best public schools in Orange County. Throughout my college journey, I have encountered the best people and built connections in different parts of Orange County. I am proud to have come to this school and amazed by the resources I have been given to continue pursuing my educational journey.
Luis
05/08/2024
I believe Cal State University of Fullerton is a beautiful school built satisfactory for students. I believe improvements can be made to housing on campus considering review on TikTok show the showering unit is outside. I also think it's nice the campus has many delicious restaurants and a bookstore with a variety of materials for everyone on campus!
Martin
06/26/2023
I'd describe California State University-Fullerton as a thriving institution that offers a diverse range of both academic programs and opportunities for students. It's a vibrant campus with dedicated faculty and commitment to student success which makes it an excellent choice for higher education.
Alondra
04/06/2023
I think CSUF is a great school, it's pretty diverse, and everyone is friendly and respectful. The professors are very kind and understanding, and the courses offered are amazing. The social life is also great. The clubs we have on campus are exciting and fun.
Jaymi
01/18/2023
I love CSUF. They answer all my questions. However, it can be hard to get someone on the phone, but when you do they help. Advisors are very knowledgeable. I have met some very good friends there and also got to go to school with my sister. Overall, I have enjoyed my time.
celest
04/18/2021
Honestly I love the campus! The staff are very helpful! Although the pandemic hit and its been kinda hard teaching people (not Professor just the departments) but I love the environment. Worth the money I pay. I learned so much in Fullerton. Every professor I had cares about their student success
Sumin
03/01/2021
It's not the best but it's a decent school. It could be a lot better though. Most of the teachers are very helpful and communicate very well with their students but there are some downright, awful teachers that don't care about their students and barely teach anything at all. The campus is okay. Parking is the worst.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for California State University-Fullerton is 48%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
As a senior in high school I was well rounded, I played sports, recieved a perfect grade point average and was in a few clubs. I thought that I was well prepared to go to college and start playing College soccer. I was right in some ways and wrong in others. I had no problem fitting right in. That was until I had to quit playing the sport I love because of an injured knee and financial problems. On top of that, my parents decided to get a divorce and without the typical routine of school and soccer that I had always known, I felt alone and a failure. If I could go back to highschool and tell myself one thing it would be to never give up hope and to never stop trying. I probably would have laughed since I had never quit anything and I never gave up. I've learned that things can change in an instant and that I have to adjust quickly in life to keep up and even if I stubble occasionally I can always get back and try again. I'm never a failure until I chose to stay down and stop fighting.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about Cal State Fullerton is parking. Although, there are three parking garages there still is not enough spaces for all the students. During prominent hours you have to get to school very early in order to get a spot.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Being onboard and on this campus I knew my journey lied ahead, where I had the resources and supporters to guide me through my success, knowing that this university had grabbed my attention from the start now it was just up to me to take advantage of everything they had to offer to make my dream careers into a reality.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
This student body puts a big emphasis on getting involved on campus whether it is in a club, student government, or on campus job. My lack of involvement in high school led me to want to change my ways in college and start making a difference. Since starting colege I have now become a campus tour guide and am treasurer of the Student Alumni Association. It has led me to become a stronger student leader and get other students the same excitement I have about going to California State University Fullerton.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The traffic in the surrounding freeways and main streets is awful in the morning, and rush hour in the afternoon is hell. It's advisable to get to school early, even if you don't have a class at that time; parking is terrible, even though they've tried to accomodate for the students with three parking structures.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Before attending college I wish I would have known how much everyone parties and how easy it is for them to suck you in on the weekends. It is okay to party sometimes on the weekends. Don't get me wrong, however all the time is, one not healthy and two doesn't not lead in the right career path. Not to mention too much drinking is really bad for you.
My school is known for its socially active lifestyle. Students are constantly rallying for what they believe in by presentations in the quad area and by educating other students on the subject. There are many fun things to do while on campus as well, such as bowling, billiards, and karoake.
Someone who enjoys a big campus with a lot of people and a lot of activities going on should attend this school. People wanting to come here should like the variety of students this campus provides and should like the location because it is around. There is a vast amount of things to do on and off campus because of the busy city of Fullerton.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
At Cal State Fullerton I greatly appreciate the amount of respect between the professors and the students. Such a bond is created between the student sand teachers that it is very probable and likely that I will reach out to them in times of confusion even after graduation passes. They are always willing to assist a student with just about anything but they are also strict and they demand through their charisma and enthusiasm that their students be dedicated and self assured that success is within reach and obtainable. I love the environment that this creates, one filled with respect.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
The stereotype of students at Cal State Fullerton is that they are all commuters who aren't involved on campus and don't really socialize much. This isn't actually the case. There are resident halls on campus that house up to 2000 students, and many diverse organizations and clubs on campus that students get really involved in. From academics, to sports and hobbies, Cal State Fullerton has some form of club that would interest you. While it is true that many students do commute, there are also lots of students who live either on campus or in the apartments near campus, and get involved with extracurricular activities on campus.
The majority of the professors that I took know my name. My favorite class is my biology class where I get to learn more about the world around me and see how things revolve around the world of biology. My least favorite class would have to be my math class because I am not the best at math and I am not as interested in math as I am for biology. The students that I know study every day so that they can review over material and understand it for the upcoming exams. Class participation is very common among all of my classes where the professors encourage students to participate. Students do have intellectual conversations outside of class especially if it is a big concept that we just learned. Some of the students are competitive but the majority of us try to form big study groups to help one another if they are having trouble with a particular problem. The most unique class I have taken is my abnormal psychology class where I learned about many cognitive disorders that could affect a person's life. I am a biology major and as a biology major I have to study quite a bit but I also get to learn about many different types of things that are useful in our daily lives. The biology department is a good, strong department where faculty members are very nice and helpful. I spend some time with my professors outside of class, such as going to their office hours or just seeing them walk by as I go to class. I like the school's academic requirements because they encompass all the things the students need to go where they want to go such as go directly into the work force or go to graduate school. The education at this school is geared more toward learning for its own sake because it allows for students to be aware of other options after college rather than just going straight into the work force.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
I'm a bookworm, so my most popular activity was studying. I found the library a great place to study. It is quiet and has may resources at hand for further exploration into topics that may interest a student.
I really enjoy going to CSUF, I rarely come across professors that I dislike. And, when such a thing happens, I end up changing my mind within the first quarter of the semester. I love the overall friendliness of the staff and students. There are so many organizations that you can be a part of. There really is something for everyone. The only thing that I have to complain about would probably be parking. It is a pretty big hassle sometimes. But, you could definitely plan your classes around it or just arrive on campus a bit earlier to ensure you make it to class on time. Parking far just means some built in exercise to your day!
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
CSUF is known as a commuter school. Students go to class (most of the time) and go directly home. Many people do not take the time to find out how to get invovled with the great organizations on campus.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
For the most part these stereotypes are true. After 3pm the campus is "empty." With the new Student Recreation Center there is an incentive for students to stay longer. There are other organizations on campus funded by ASI that students should explore.
Where is the best place to get work done on campus?
The Library is PERFECT! After that, if you don't mind noise, the Titan Student Union is a good place to go. Mihalo Hall (the business building) lobby is a nice study area as well.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
74% of students attending California State University-Fullerton receive some sort of financial aid.
46% were awarded federal grants.31%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
