California State University-Northridge
About California State University-Northridge
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
CSUN is a public university in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles. It is one of the largest CSU campuses and is known for its business, engineering, music, and deaf studies programs. CSUN has a strong commuter student population.
Founded
1958
Location
Northridge, California
Students
38,248
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
57%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,458
Out-of-state: $20,058
Avg Net Price
$7,021
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$59,115
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
May 15
California State University-Northridge accepts the majority of applicants at 93.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
57% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.4%
4-Year Grad
17%
6-Year Grad
54%
Teaching Quality
24:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
43.3%
$/Student
$8.0K
Class Size
Large
The 17% graduation rate is below average, but 73.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,458
In-State
$20,058
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,804
Books & Supplies
$1,338
Total Cost of Attendance
$20,485
After Financial Aid
$7,021
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,905
Receive Grants
56.1%
Take Loans
21.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $20,485/yr for in-state students, including $13,804 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $7,021. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,058.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-Northridge fund their education.
While in School
56.1%
Get Grants
Free money
21.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,839
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,872
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$147/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,872, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-Northridge.
Gender
52.9%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
32,691
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,557
Graduates
53.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
20%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 53.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
32,691
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-Northridge fields 10 varsity teams with 407 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
407
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
199
Men
208
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-Northridgeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,115
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
1100 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
980 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$35K
439 grads
1yr Earnings
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$27K
430 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$34K
424 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$28K
397 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Northridge
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Northridge?▾
How much does California State University-Northridge cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Northridge?▾
How much do California State University-Northridge graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.