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Cal State – Northridge is a public university located in Southern California, in the greater Los Angeles area. The campus is the academic home to nearly 40,000 graduate and undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in the school's nine colleges. These colleges are home to fields such as Arts Media and Communication, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, and Social Sciences, among others.


Overview of California State University - Northridge


Students at Cal-Northridge not only study hard and take advantage of some of the state's best academics but they also take time to have fun. The Northridge campus offers students facilities where they can get a workout, find friends and fellowship, and generally achieve the all-important well-rounded education. In fact, the Student Recreation Center offers group exercise classes, workout facilities for individual workouts, and intramurals for fun competition.

The university’s Student Union also offers students opportunities to engage with volunteer experiences, cultural events, and stimulating music events. In fact, students are welcome to apply to perform for their fellow students as part of the Noontime Concert series.

All in all, with a campus as large as Cal State Northridge, there is something for everyone. The campus is home to a diverse group of eager learners who have just as many extra-curricular interests. On top of this, the campus is located in the midst of the second strongest urban economy in the nation. No matter what one's interest, the university and its environs is sure to provide ample support.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 27:1
Graduation Rate NA
Year Founded 1958

Student Enrollment


Total Students39,910

Undergraduate
34,799
Graduate
5,111

Undergraduate Student

Male 15,660
15,660
Female 19,139
19,139

Graduate Student

Male 2,300
2,300
Female 2,811
2,811

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Admissions


APPLICATIONS30,661

Male 13,463
Female 17,198

ACCEPTANCE18,090

Male 7,405
Female 10,835

Acceptance Rate59%

Male 55%
Female 63%

Enrollment 4,703

Male 2,034
Female 2,669
Admissions
Application Fee $70
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Required
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses NA
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) NA
Application Deadline May 31
Common Application Accepted No

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


California's public colleges and universities are well-known for providing an excellent academic value. While prices have indeed risen over the years, students still can take advantage of CSUN's low-cost, high-value degree programs. In fact, the gross cost for a year's worth of tuition, books, fees, and supplies is a mere $8,500 for California residents. Non-residents see a gross cost upwards of $20,000, unless they can participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, in which case they pay the in-state price. After living expenses are tallied, California residents pay approximately $23,000 to live on campus and non-residents pay around $35,000.

However, once the financial aid office applies its grants and scholarships, the price of education drops significantly. In fact, the average net cost for a year at CSUN, including room and board, is a mere $8,600. The lowest income students pay under $6,000 and CSUN's top-earning households pay a net price that barely exceeds $18,000.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $8,694
Average Total Aid $10,462
Students Receiving Financial Aid 86%
Room & Board $11,662

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $7,017
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $18,897
  • Books and Supplies - $1,486
  • Room & Board - $11,662
  • Other - $3,152

Academics


California State University – Northridge is part of the public university system in California. They are thus part of a rich tradition of providing an untouchable reputation for high academic value. Not only do CSUN students participate in top-notch academic programs on campus, but the wider Los Angeles area provides opportunities for internships and cultural exposure, as well. When it comes to academics, consider CSUN's educational statistics which reflect strong retention and graduation rates.

Retention rates are a measure of how many first-time, full-time students return to campus for a second year. A high rate indicates that students are satisfied with the school's curriculum, faculty, and campus resources. Essentially, high retention reflects that students are learning a lot and growing in a challenging and fun environment.

Since CSUN reports and 81% retention rate for its full-time students and 65% for part-time students, it's clear that they provide a strong academic program. As for graduation rates, CSUN reports a graduation rate of 55%. On top of this, CSUN reports that 25% of students enroll in other institutions. Since the vast majority of students who transfer do so in order to complete a degree in a more competitive school, or with a specific degree that is not offered at their originating university, it's clear that CSUN provides a strong academic foundation.

Student Population Total


Student Population 39,910

Undergraduate
34,799
Graduate
5,111
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 1,763 Total Graduates / 20%
Business Administration and Management, General 691 Graduates
Finance, General 379 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 376 Graduates
Accounting 271 Graduates
All Social Science Majors 941 Total Graduates / 10%
Sociology, General 529 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 184 Graduates
Economics, General 111 Graduates
Anthropology, General 64 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 896 Total Graduates / 10%
Radio and Television 396 Graduates
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 366 Graduates
Journalism 134 Graduates
Psychology 799 Total Graduates / 9%
Psychology, General 799 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 772 Total Graduates / 9%
Public Health, General 321 Graduates
Health/Health Care Administration/Management 195 Graduates
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General 90 Graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 90 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 43%

Outcome & Salary


Graduates from CSUN tend to shine bright in the job market. They all have a terrific academic background that will serve them well for their entire careers. When alumni first enter the job market, the registered nursing students tend to start the strongest. registered nurses report a median salary of $92,000. RNs also tend to have some of the lowest debt loads, as well. Interestingly, CSUN's philosophy majors report the lowest overall median debt of $9,000.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $52,000
College Grads Average Salary $71,972
College Grads Mid Career Salary $100,300
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $719,720
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,722,720
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $34,776
10 Year Projected ROI $684,944
20 Year Projected ROI $1,687,944
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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