Academic Comparison between San Diego State and California Northstate University

San Diego State University and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, 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.

  • San Diego 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 San Diego State ($20,170).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than California Northstate University.
  • San Diego State has more students with 37,402 students while California Northstate University has 962 students.
  • California Northstate University has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 25 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.California Northstate University
San Diego, 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$8,290
Out-Of-State$20,170
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
61%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$8,114Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
34.00 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
78 %Graduation Rate76 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate100 %
37,402Student Population962
954Number of Faculties-
25 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