Academic Comparison between Fresno State and California Northstate University

California State University-San Marcos and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, 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 ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate University than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 15,109 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 23 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.California Northstate University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
65%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
96.00 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate76 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate100 %
15,109Student Population962
392Number of Faculties-
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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