Academic Comparison between Fresno State and California Northstate University

California State University-Fresno and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in Fresno, CA and California Northstate University is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Fresno State is a public and California Northstate University is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate University has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,254) than Fresno State ($18,860).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate University than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 23,999 students while California Northstate University has 962 students.
  • California Northstate University has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 21 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Fresnovs.California Northstate University
Fresno, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie Classification
In-State$6,980
Out-Of-State$18,860
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
78%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$9,430Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
96.00 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate76 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
76 %Retention Rate100 %
23,999Student Population962
796Number of Faculties-
21 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services