California State University-Fresno's published cost of attendance is $18,650 per year, which includes $6,980 in in-state tuition, $11,634 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $18,860.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $20,095 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,950 |
| Room and Board | $11,960 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,095 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $7,000 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $5,105 |
| $30–48k | $5,429 |
| $48–75k | $7,196 |
| $75–110k | $10,291 |
| $110k+ | $16,899 |
California State University-Fresno's published cost of attendance is $18,650 per year, which includes $6,980 in in-state tuition, $11,634 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $18,860. However, the average student pays just $6,480 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,170 from the sticker price.
This demonstrates the substantial impact of financial aid in making CSU Fresno affordable for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The net price of $6,480 is significantly below the peer median of $15,590, saving students $9,110 compared to similar institutions. This cost advantage is particularly important given CSU Fresno's mission to serve first-generation and Pell-eligible students who may have limited financial resources.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at CSU Fresno remains exceptionally manageable relative to both outcomes and peer institutions. Median debt of $14,505 ranks at the 86th percentile nationally, indicating well-controlled borrowing levels.
Debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $21,501 at the 75th percentile, showing variation but generally modest levels across the student population. Compared to the peer median debt of $20,000, CSU Fresno students borrow $5,495 less, representing a 27% reduction in debt burden.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates that typical graduates can expect to earn approximately four times their debt level annually, creating favorable conditions for repayment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,580 with monthly payments of $179, reflecting moderate family contribution expectations.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
CSU Fresno delivers strong value through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn $8,133 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 82.1st percentile nationally for this value-added measure.
The institution's above-average earnings performance of $61,244 annually, combined with debt levels $5,495 below peer medians, creates favorable return on investment conditions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates that graduates typically earn enough to manage debt payments comfortably while building long-term financial stability.
With net costs $9,110 below peer institutions and earnings that exceed expectations by more than $8,000 annually, students receive exceptional value for their educational investment. This combination of affordability and outcomes explains the institution's excellent performance on both affordability and mobility measures, ranking in the top 5% nationally for each pillar.
CSU Fresno's financial aid strategy effectively targets students with the greatest need while maintaining accessibility across income levels. With 55.7% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution serves a substantially higher proportion of low-income students than the national average.
The $12,170 average financial aid savings represents 65% of the published cost of attendance, indicating comprehensive aid coverage. The progressive net price structure ensures that families earning under $48,000 face costs below $5,000 annually, making higher education financially feasible for students from lower-income backgrounds.
This financial aid approach supports the institution's Mobility Engine classification by removing cost barriers that might otherwise prevent enrollment of students who benefit most from the economic advancement opportunities higher education provides. The substantial aid concentration among lower-income students creates the foundation for the strong mobility outcomes CSU Fresno achieves.
