At $7,599/yr net price, California State University-Northridge graduates earn $59,115/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,115/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,599 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,115/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,115/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,872 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,153/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,277/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,897/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,510/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,688/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $95,739 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $92,124 | $15,041 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,907 | $34,195 |
| Taxation. | Master | $86,867 | $41,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $83,669 | $18,875 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,756 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $80,493 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,863 | $38,464 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $75,204 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,047 | $16,250 |
The Risk Factor
56.2% of students at California State University-Northridge graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
California State University-Northridge delivers solid financial returns at a bargain price, making it one of the strongest ROI picks in the Cal State system. Your net cost of under $8,000 annually paired with median earnings approaching $60,000 creates compelling math for most graduates.
The engineering and nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners. Electrical engineering graduates earn nearly $96,000 with manageable debt loads, while nursing majors command over $92,000 with just $15,000 in debt. Business administration also pays well at $89,000, though debt levels jump to $34,000. Taxation graduates earn strong salaries but carry concerning debt loads at $41,000.
The school's location in the San Fernando Valley provides access to Los Angeles job markets without the premium costs of UCLA or USC. However, the 56% graduation rate signals risk for students who struggle with academic persistence. You face meaningful odds of leaving without a degree while carrying debt.
CSUN works best for cost-conscious students who can handle the academic demands and want access to LA-area opportunities. Engineering and nursing students get strong value here. Business majors should monitor their borrowing carefully given the higher debt loads in that program.
Financial aid covers most students, with 56% receiving assistance. The relatively low median debt suggests the school keeps borrowing reasonable for most graduates. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or prefer smaller class environments, as the graduation rate indicates some students struggle to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Northridge worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,599 and median debt of only $13,872, CSUN offers solid value for most students. The low cost makes it a reasonable investment even though median earnings of $59,115 are modest.
What are the best paying majors at California State University-Northridge?
Engineering and nursing graduates earn the highest salaries at CSUN, with electrical engineering majors earning around $95,739 and nursing graduates making $92,124. Business and taxation majors also see strong returns with salaries in the mid-80k range.
How much debt do California State University-Northridge graduates have?
CSUN graduates have a median debt of $13,872, which is manageable compared to many universities. The low net price of $7,599 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Northridge?
CSUN has a 56% graduation rate, which is below the national average. This means nearly half of students who start at CSUN don't finish their degree, which affects the school's overall value proposition.