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.
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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
93.15 %Acceptance Rates29.75 %
19.98 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.83 %
-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
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