California State University-Northridge

91.2%Acceptance

$7,095Tuition

32,357Students

56%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,115Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Northridge

Cal State Northridge draws 32,357 students to its sprawling campus in the San Fernando Valley, making it one of California's largest universities. The school built its reputation on accessible education with standout programs in business, engineering, and cinema. Notable graduates include Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who safely landed his plane on the Hudson River, and actress Eva Longoria. With a 91% acceptance rate, CSUN opens doors for students who might not qualify elsewhere but still want quality education at a major research university.

Students pay an average net price of $7,599 after financial aid, keeping debt manageable at a median of $13,872. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $59,115, making the investment worthwhile for most students. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families. Monthly loan payments average just $147, well within reach for most graduates.

The student body is 57% Hispanic and 98% in-state, creating a distinctly California community that mirrors the state's diversity. The 56% six-year graduation rate lags behind top schools but reflects CSUN's role serving first-generation college students who often work while studying. The Matadors compete in Division I athletics across 15 sports.

Academics & Faculty

California State University-Northridge operates as a full public university serving over 32,000 students across diverse academic programs. The school has built a strong reputation in business, engineering, and cinema studies, with its film program consistently ranking among the top in the nation. Students work within a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of major public universities. The 56% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and family obligations while pursuing degrees. CSUN's strength lies in providing accessible, practical education that prepares students for immediate entry into competitive fields like entertainment, technology, and business management.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 56.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.2%
Retention Rate: 74.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,115
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$95,739
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$92,124
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$88,907
Taxation.	Master	$86,867
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$83,669
Mechanical Engineering.	Master	$82,756
Engineering-Related Fields.	Master	$80,493
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$76,863
Construction Engineering Technologies.	Bachelor	$75,204
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$75,047

View all 158 programs →

Campus Life

The San Fernando Valley campus sits 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, where year-round sunshine means flip-flops outnumber winter coats by a wide margin. Only about 10% of the 32,357 students live in the 3,253 on-campus housing spots, creating a commuter school atmosphere where parking becomes a competitive sport. The 356-acre campus buzzes with activity during weekdays but quiets considerably on weekends as students scatter across the sprawling LA metropolitan area.

With 57% Hispanic enrollment, CSUN pulses with cultural diversity that shows up everywhere from food trucks serving authentic tacos to Día de los Muertos celebrations. The Matadors compete in 15 Division I sports, though school spirit tends to be more subdued than at residential campuses. Students often head to nearby Topanga Canyon for hiking or make the drive to Santa Monica beaches on weekends. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, but the cinema and business programs draw students who network aggressively in Hollywood's backyard.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,253 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

62 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	14	11	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	8	0	0	2
Arson	5	2	0	0
Burglary	6	1	0	0
Rape	3	3	0	0
Fondling	3	0	0	0
Stalking	3	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 63°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body reflects the San Fernando Valley's diverse population, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 57%. Nearly all students come from California, showing CSUN's role as a regional center rather than a national destination. The high Pell Grant rate of 56% demonstrates the university's commitment to serving working-class families seeking upward mobility. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with CSUN's strength in education, health sciences, and liberal arts alongside its technical programs. This demographic mix creates a campus that mirrors the multicultural, striving communities of greater Los Angeles.

Men: 46.8%
Women: 53.2%
White: 18.7%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 57.2%
Asian: 8.9%
In-State Students: 97.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 56.0%

Location

California State University-Northridge sits in the San Fernando Valley, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves over 32,000 students in a suburban setting surrounded by the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. Northridge feels more like a residential community than a traditional college town, with strip malls and family neighborhoods dominating the landscape. The location offers easy access to Hollywood entertainment industry internships and jobs, which helps explain why 91% of graduates find employment. The Valley's hot, dry climate and sprawling layout require most students to have cars. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California State University-Northridge with similar schools in the region.

Address: Northridge, California 91330

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,115
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,117
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $147/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,872

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Northridge?

Cal State Northridge accepts 91% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university serves as a gateway to higher education for the San Fernando Valley, particularly for first-generation college students and working families.

How much does California State University-Northridge cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,599 annually, with 56% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,153 per year, while the median debt load of $13,872 remains manageable compared to national averages.

What academic programs is California State University-Northridge known for?

The university operates one of California's most respected film programs alongside strong business and engineering departments. With 32,357 students and a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, CSUN offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple colleges.

What are the graduation outcomes at California State University-Northridge?

About 56% of students graduate within six years, with alumni earning a median salary of $59,115 ten years after graduation. The 91% employment rate reflects the university's practical approach to preparing students for careers in Los Angeles industries.

Where do California State University-Northridge students live and what is campus life like?

Only 3,253 students can live in campus housing, so most of the 32,357 students commute from throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater LA area. The Matadors compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports in the Big West Conference, creating school spirit despite the commuter-heavy environment.

How diverse is the student body at California State University-Northridge?

Hispanic students comprise 57% of enrollment, making CSUN one of the nation's top Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Women represent 53% of students, and 98% come from California, reflecting the university's mission to serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles County.