California State University, Fresno

In 2020, tuition for full-time students at California State University, Fresno was $5,742 a year for in-state students and $17,622 a year for out-of-state students. On average, colleges raise tuition about 3 percent each year.

If these numbers seem daunting, remember, the total cost of tuition isn't necessarily what you will have to pay to attend a school. Many students pay far less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts kick in. Plus, student loans can make the amount you do have to pay for college more manageable.

Tuition for international students at California State University, Fresno is $17,622 per year.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at CSU Fresno

California State University, Fresno is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $5,742 for in-state students who attend full-time. For students who are not considered California-residents, out-of-state tuition is $17,622 a year.

Public colleges and universities receive funding from the state government. Public, state schools can offer lower tuition for students who meet the requirements for in-state residency.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state can cut the cost of college tuition. Every state has their own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. The most common requirement is that students must have lived in the state for a full year before starting school.

Explore other California colleges

CSU Fresno International Student Tuition

CSU Fresno has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at California State University, Fresno can expect to pay around $17,622 per year, before any scholarships or financial aid.

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but may be eligible for school-specific aid and scholarships. International students with need may be eligible for the following types of financial support:

On-campus jobs

Loans from outsideCSU Fresno

Athletic Awards

CSU Fresno-specific scholarships

International Students Tuition Waivers

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships and athletic awards.

CSU Fresno Living Expenses and Other Costs

In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies.

Room and Board at CSU Fresno

Board costs may vary depending on how many meals are included in the meal plan you choose.

Cost of Books at CSU Fresno

The cost of books often surprises first-year college students. The actual cost of books depends on the courses you take and the materials required.

Yearly Fees

Most schools also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs. Full-time undergrads at CSU Fresno pay $847 in fees each academic year.

There may also be optional fees associated with participating in certain activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or playing on an intramural sports team, may mean additional fees.

Transportation costs

The total cost of transportation in college can really vary. It depends on if you drive or fly to get to school, own a car, or if you prefer to walk or take public transportation to get around campus.

A school's location can impact transportation costs. The California State University, Fresno campus is in a urban setting in California. First-year students are allowed to park a car on campus.

Other College Costs

When creating a budget for college, don’t forget to leave some room in your budget for personal expenses, like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.

Let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, which can add up for both on-campus and off-campus students.

Total Cost of CSU Fresno

2021 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition	$5,742
Out-of-State Tuition	$17,622
Yearly Fees	$847

Total Estimated Costs

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

Financial Aid at CSU Fresno

The majority of California State University, Fresno undergrads use financial aid to help pay for school. In 2021, 14,556 of the 21,462 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. CSU Fresno meets 66 percent of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $12,544 a year. Around 79 percent of CSU Fresno undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. CSU Fresno graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $20,217 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans	$19,877
State Loans	$0
CSU Fresno-Specific Loans	$605
Private Loans	$14,845

Most Common Loans for CSU Fresno Students
Federal Loans	79%
Institutional Loans	1%
Private loans	1%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on CSU Fresno financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at California State University, Fresno

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2021, CSU Fresno awarded 13,118 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $153,439,870 to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $12,700,985 in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

Net Cost of CSU Fresno

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for CSU Fresno students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at CSU Fresno was $12,544 in 2021. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of CSU Fresno seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
Out-of-State, On-Campus	$5,925

What will attending CSU Fresno really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the CSU Fresno's net cost calculator on their website.

CSU Fresno Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

CSU Fresno Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups to cover some or all of the cost of tuition. Some schools offer them for employees and their family, underrepresented students, or military students. Even with a tuition waiver, other expenses and fees are the responsibility of the student

CSU Fresno has some full or partial tuition waivers available for: International Students

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.