Academic Comparison between San Francisco State and California Northstate University

San Francisco State University and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Francisco State is a four-year, public school located in San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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 Francisco State ($19,304).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate University than San Francisco State.
  • San Francisco State has more students with 25,282 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 Francisco State's ratio is 19 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Francisco State Universityvs.California Northstate University
San Francisco, 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$7,424
Out-Of-State$19,304
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
60%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$8,914Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
96.15 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
10.39 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
54 %Graduation Rate76 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate-
85 %Retention Rate100 %
25,282Student Population962
840Number of Faculties-
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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