Academic Comparison between CSUN and UCSD

California State University-Northridge and University of California-San Diego 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.
  • UCSD has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,042) than CSUN ($18,975).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSD than CSUN.
  • UCSD has more students with 42,006 students while CSUN has 37,579 students.
  • UCSD has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • UCSD has more full-time faculties with 2,799 faculties while CSUN has 906 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Northridgevs.University of California-San Diego
Northridge, CaliforniaLocationLa Jolla, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$7,095
Out-Of-State$18,975
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,265
Out-Of-State$46,042
75%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$9,447Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,811
93.00 %Acceptance Rates25.00 %
20.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate87 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate93 %
37,579Student Population42,006
906Number of Faculties2,799
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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