California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, United States • Founded 1957 • World Rank #2180
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1957, the California State University, Fullerton is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Fullerton (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.
This institution also has branch campuses in Irvine, Garden Grove and Santa Ana. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 67-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. CSUF also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with California State University, Fullerton or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for California State University, Fullerton — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.
Academic Structures
California State University, Fullerton's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 8 items
- College of Communications
- College of Education
- College of Engineering and Computer Science
- College of Health and Human Development
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- College of the Arts
- Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics
Programs Offered
The programmes you can apply for at California State University, Fullerton are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.
131 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 61 programmes
Showing 10 of 61.
Master's Degree 61 programmes
Showing 10 of 61.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 5 programmes
How to apply to California State University, Fullerton
Application guidance for California State University, Fullerton, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Identify the right programme
California State University, Fullerton's catalogue includes 131 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for California State University, Fullerton's admissions process.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through California State University, Fullerton's official website at www.fullerton.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (657) 278 2011. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about California State University, Fullerton
Common questions about California State University, Fullerton answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When was California State University, Fullerton founded?
California State University, Fullerton was established in 1957 (approximately 69 years ago).
In which city is California State University, Fullerton?
California State University, Fullerton is based in Fullerton, United States.
Is California State University, Fullerton public or private?
California State University, Fullerton operates as a public institution.
How many students study at California State University, Fullerton?
California State University, Fullerton has approximately 40,000-44,999 students.
How is California State University, Fullerton ranked?
California State University, Fullerton holds rank #2180 globally and #280 in United States.
What is California State University, Fullerton's academic structure?
The institution comprises 8 academic units.
Is California State University, Fullerton officially recognised?
California State University, Fullerton is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Where can I learn more about California State University, Fullerton?
The institution's website is www.fullerton.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below California State University, Fullerton overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Membership criteria for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near California State University, Fullerton. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Universities in the United States with strong Education & Teaching provision give natural alternatives to California State University, Fullerton. Specialism strengths vary by institution and often correlate with faculty research interests and industry partnerships.
Universities Compared with California State University, Fullerton
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to California State University, Fullerton, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.
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