PublicUrbanCalifornia State University-Sacramento
Sacramento State
Sacramento, California 95819-2694
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
California State University-Sacramento is a public institution in Sacramento with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A large campus of 27.9K undergraduates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
56% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,876 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,512.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •(November 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Early years The efforts to get a four-year university in Sacramento date back to the 1920s; however, legislation repeatedly failed.
- •Sacramento State was formally established in 1947 through legislation by State Senator Earl D.
- •Founded as Sacramento State College on September 22, 1947, during a time of intense demand for higher education after World War II, Sacramento State shared space with Sacramento Junior College.
- •Sacramento State's first semester of classes consisted of 235 students enrolled in 44 sections.
- •During December 1947, the official mascot "Herky" (short for Hercules) the Hornet was chosen over the Elk, which wasn't considered to be aggressive enough.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Urban · Public
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Urban · Public
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, 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
75.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,500
Programs (118)
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
81%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
211
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