California State University-Northridge vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Northridge is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (38,313 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Northridge is located in Northridge, CA (Large City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Northridge is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Northridge 25:1; Simpson University 17:1.

California State University-Northridge vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State University-Northridge or Simpson 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 Simpson University ($7,536 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 13.8% lower than at California State University Northridge ($11,900 vs. $13,804).
• Simpson University is 432.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State University-Northridge (about $32,250 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $7,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98% higher at Simpson University than at California State University Northridge (about $19,650 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $20,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at California State University Northridge (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 102.2% larger than aid received by California State University Northridge students ($25,937 vs. $12,825).

California State University-Northridge vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simpson University (1070) is 60 points higher than at California State University-Northridge (1010).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at California State University-Northridge).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Northridge 900/1110; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Northridge 16/22; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State University-Northridge - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State University-Northridge Nov 30, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at California State University-Northridge (3.38).
• California State University-Northridge has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at California State University-Northridge vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

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

How do outcomes compare for California State University-Northridge and Simpson 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).

• California State University Northridge's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from California State University Northridge earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Northridge graduates have a $2,472 lower median loan debt than Simpson University graduates ($14,196 vs. $16,668).
• Among borrowers, California State University-Northridge graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson University graduates ($146 vs. $172).
• More Simpson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California State University-Northridge students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 59%)

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.