California State University-Fresno
Fresno, California 93740
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for psychology — major research university
California State University-Fresno is a public institution in Fresno with particular strength in psychology and business.
A large campus of 21.1K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
55% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $61,244 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $6,480.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Bulldogs
History & Fun Facts
- •History California State University, Fresno was founded as the Fresno State Normal School in 1911 with Charles Lourie McLane as its first president.
- •It was one of about 180 "normal schools" founded by state governments to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools.
- •The Old Administration Building, Fresno State's first permanent building (now part of Fresno City College) The original campus was what is now Fresno City College.
- •In 1956, Fresno State moved its campus to its present location in the northeast part of the city; FCC bought the old campus and moved back in.
- •It became Fresno State College in 1949, when it was authorized to grant bachelor's degrees.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Urban · Public
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · Urban · Public
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
80.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,463
Programs (150)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
160
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium