California State University-Northridge and California State University-Sacramento offer similar accessibility but differ in key areas that matter for your college decision.
Admission and Cost: Both schools are highly accessible, with CSUN accepting 91.2% of applicants compared to Sac State's 93.2%. CSUN costs slightly less at $7,095 in-state tuition versus $7,602, and offers better financial aid with an average net price of $7,599 compared to $10,512. CSUN graduates also carry less debt ($13,872 vs $15,000).
Academic Environment: Both maintain identical 21:1 student-faculty ratios, but Sac State shows stronger student engagement with an 81.1% retention rate compared to CSUN's 74.4%. Graduation rates are nearly identical (CSUN 56.2%, Sac State 55.8%).
Campus Experience: CSUN is larger with 32,357 students versus Sac State's 27,867, creating different social strongs. Both offer NCAA Division I athletics. Sacramento's location provides access to state government internships and the capital city's professional network.
Outcomes: Sac State graduates earn more ten years post-graduation, with median earnings of $64,876 compared to CSUN's $59,115, representing a $5,761 annual difference that could justify the higher initial costs.
Academic Strengths: CSUN is known for strong programs in cinema, business, and engineering. Sac State excels in criminal justice, public administration, and government-related fields due to its capital location.
CSUN fits students seeking a large campus experience with lower costs and strong media programs, while Sac State suits those interested in public service careers and willing to invest more for higher earning potential.
Admission and Cost: Both schools are highly accessible, with CSUN accepting 91.2% of applicants compared to Sac State's 93.2%. CSUN costs slightly less at $7,095 in-state tuition versus $7,602, and offers better financial aid with an average net price of $7,599 compared to $10,512. CSUN graduates also carry less debt ($13,872 vs $15,000).
Academic Environment: Both maintain identical 21:1 student-faculty ratios, but Sac State shows stronger student engagement with an 81.1% retention rate compared to CSUN's 74.4%. Graduation rates are nearly identical (CSUN 56.2%, Sac State 55.8%).
Campus Experience: CSUN is larger with 32,357 students versus Sac State's 27,867, creating different social strongs. Both offer NCAA Division I athletics. Sacramento's location provides access to state government internships and the capital city's professional network.
Outcomes: Sac State graduates earn more ten years post-graduation, with median earnings of $64,876 compared to CSUN's $59,115, representing a $5,761 annual difference that could justify the higher initial costs.
Academic Strengths: CSUN is known for strong programs in cinema, business, and engineering. Sac State excels in criminal justice, public administration, and government-related fields due to its capital location.
CSUN fits students seeking a large campus experience with lower costs and strong media programs, while Sac State suits those interested in public service careers and willing to invest more for higher earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| California State University-Northridge | California State University-Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 91.2% | 93.2% |
| Enrollment | 32,357 | 27,867 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,095 | $7,602 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,975 | $19,482 |
| Net Price | $7,599 | $10,512 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.2% | 55.8% |
| Retention Rate | 74.4% | 81.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,115 | $64,876 |
| Median Debt | $13,872 | $15,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| California State University-Northridge | California State University-Sacramento | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $92,124 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $108,495 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $83,669 | Construction Engineering. | $80,779 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | $75,204 | Computer Engineering. | $78,343 |
| Computer Science. | $75,047 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $70,596 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $73,070 | Computer Science. | $67,240 |