Academic Comparison between UCSD and California Northstate University

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

  • UCSD 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 UCSD ($46,042).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSD than California Northstate University.
  • UCSD has more students with 42,006 students while California Northstate University has 962 students.
  • California Northstate University has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while UCSD's ratio is 19 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-San Diegovs.California Northstate University
La Jolla, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie Classification
In-State$15,265
Out-Of-State$46,042
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
58%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$20,811Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
25.00 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
87 %Graduation Rate76 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate100 %
42,006Student Population962
2,799Number of Faculties-
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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