California State University-Northridge vs. National University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Northridge in Northridge, CA with National University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Northridge is larger than National University based on total student enrollment (38,313 students vs. 22,115 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Northridge is located in Northridge, CA (Large City setting); National University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Northridge is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. National University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Northridge 25:1; National University 16:1.

California State University-Northridge vs. National University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State University-Northridge or National University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Northridge than National University ($7,536 vs. $25,043).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Northridge are 40.2% lower than at National University ($13,804 vs. $23,076).
• National University is 78.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State University-Northridge (about $5,826 more per year; $13,284.00 vs. $7,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51% higher at California State University-Northridge than at National University (about $6,774 more per year; $20,058.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Northridge than at National University (83% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Northridge students is 25.7% larger than aid received by National University students ($12,825 vs. $10,200).

California State University-Northridge vs. National University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State University-Northridge or National University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between National University and California State University-Northridge.

• National University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Northridge 900/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Northridge 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State University-Northridge - Test-free; National University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-Northridge Nov 30, 2026.

California State University-Northridge vs. National University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State University-Northridge and National University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from National University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than California State University-Northridge graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Northridge graduates have a $14,446 lower median loan debt than National University graduates ($14,196 vs. $28,642).
• Among borrowers, California State University-Northridge graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National University graduates ($146 vs. $296).
• More California State University-Northridge graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.