Academic Comparison between CSUN and Cal Poly

California State University-Northridge and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Cal Poly has more expensive tuition & fees ($30,995) than CSUN ($18,975).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than CSUN.
  • CSUN has more students with 37,579 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 20 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • CSUN has more full-time faculties with 906 faculties while Cal Poly has 881 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
CSUN Cal Poly
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Northridgevs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Northridge, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,095
Out-Of-State$18,975
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
75%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$9,447Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,853
93.00 %Acceptance Rates30.00 %
20.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate85 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
75 %Retention Rate94 %
37,579Student Population22,000
906Number of Faculties881
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
More Rivals