During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, university officials unveiled the four-story, 80,000-square-foot building, which includes nearly 230 apartment-style beds across one- to four-bedroom units.
"May it not be another 50 years in the making," one speaker said, drawing laughter from attendees.
The new complex includes six units designated for students with children, the first housing of its kind at Fresno State.
"If we want every student to have an opportunity to learn at Fresno State, we must create an environment that recognizes the reality of their life," said Phong Yang, Fresno State vice president of student affairs.
University officials said support services available to other students also will be available to student parents living in the new housing.
"All of the resources that we have for our regular students will also be available to our parents for support when they're trying to balance both going to school and having a family," said Erin Boele, Fresno State's director of student housing.
Each apartment includes a full kitchen and access to in-building laundry facilities. The complex also features a basketball court for children.
Fresno State President Dr. Saul Jimenez-Sandoval said living on campus can help students remain connected to the university and achieve academic success.
"All of these are proven statistics: when students live on campus, they are able to stay on campus more connected, they are able to retain on campus, and they are able to graduate sooner as well, so it's a win-win-win for all of us," Jimenez-Sandoval said.
A $33 million state affordable student housing grant helped fund the project. Fresno State said the addition brings the number of students housed on campus to nearly 1,600 across 10 buildings.
"To the students and families that will call this place home, I hope this place gives you the stability that every student deserves. Welcome home, welcome home," said Alya Hassan of Associated Students, Inc.
Fresno State said Wi-Fi, utilities and cable are included in the cost of housing. Students and families are scheduled to move into the building beginning August 20.