California State University, Fresno SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 95.3% acceptance rate, Fresno State is broadly accessible, but its 57% six-year graduation rate makes preparation the bigger strategy. Because the campus is test-free, SAT/ACT scores will not factor into admission; focus on your GPA, A-G course completion, and choosing a major path you can sustain.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University, Fresno facts and stats
California State University, Fresno enrolls 21,954 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Fresno State has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 57% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. Fresno State uses a test-free admissions policy.
Fresno, CA

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Key California State University, Fresno application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
December 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
July 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Fresno State is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and you do not need a testing plan for its December 15 Regular Decision deadline. Any SAT/ACT retakes or superscoring strategy only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
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What you'll actually pay
Fresno State, a public Mountain West Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $6,084 and out-of-state tuition at $18,684. About 67% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is July 2.

At Fresno State, out-of-state tuition is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084; room and board adds about $11,960. Financial aid is common, with 67% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $15,585. Merit awards average $3,171, which can help reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $5,579.
Student life at California State University, Fresno
5% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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