California State University-Northridge vs. Pathways College

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Northridge in Northridge, CA with Pathways College in Phoenix, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Northridge is larger than Pathways College based on total student enrollment (38,313 students vs. 196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Northridge is located in Northridge, CA (Large City setting); Pathways College is in Phoenix, California (Midsize City setting).
• California State University Northridge is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pathways College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Northridge 25:1; Pathways College 7:1.

California State University-Northridge vs. Pathways College Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Northridge are 41.8% lower than at Pathways College ($13,804 vs. $23,712).
• California State University Northridge is 20.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pathways College (about $1,278 more per year; $7,458.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 224.6% higher at California State University-Northridge than at Pathways College (about $13,878 more per year; $20,058.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Northridge than at Pathways College (83% vs. 0%).

California State University-Northridge vs. Pathways College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State University-Northridge or Pathways College? 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 Pathways College and California State University-Northridge.

• 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; Pathways College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-Northridge Nov 30, 2026.

California State University-Northridge vs. Pathways College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State University-Northridge and Pathways College? 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).

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.