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California State University-Fullerton vs Unitek College: which has better ROI?

Public, Fullerton CA · vs · Private for-profit, Hayward CA

The verdict

California State University-Fullerton has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $26,220 in 1.8 years versus 1.9 years at Unitek College, on median earnings of $62,951 vs $87,877 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCalifornia State University-FullertonUnitek College
Net price / yr$6,555$19,130
Total net cost$26,220$76,520
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,951$87,877
Median debt$13,750$10,700
Payback1.8 yrs1.9 yrs
20-year net return$265,600$713,820

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Fullerton or Unitek College?

California State University-Fullerton, at $6,555 a year after aid versus $19,130 — a gap of $12,575 a year, or $50,300 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do California State University-Fullerton or Unitek College graduates earn more?

Unitek College graduates report a median $87,877 ten years after entry, $24,926 more than the $62,951 at California State University-Fullerton. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, California State University-Fullerton or Unitek College?

Unitek College: its completers carry a median $10,700 in federal loans versus $13,750 at California State University-Fullerton, a difference of $3,050. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

70% of students finish at California State University-Fullerton, against 63% at Unitek College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

California State University-Fullerton vs Unitek College: frequently asked questions

Is California State University-Fullerton or Unitek College a better value?
California State University-Fullerton. It clears its $26,220 net cost in about 1.8 years versus 1.9 years at Unitek College, on median earnings of $62,951 vs $87,877 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Fullerton or Unitek College?
California State University-Fullerton: $6,555/yr net price after aid versus $19,130/yr at Unitek College — a difference of $12,575 a year, or about $50,300 over four years.
Do California State University-Fullerton or Unitek College graduates earn more?
Unitek College graduates earn a median $87,877 ten years after entry, versus $62,951 at California State University-Fullerton — a $24,926 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.