Academic Comparison between UCSD and CSUN

University of California-San Diego and California State University-Northridge 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

University of California-San Diegovs.California State University-Northridge
La Jolla, CaliforniaLocationNorthridge, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$15,265
Out-Of-State$46,042
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,095
Out-Of-State$18,975
58%% Receiving Financial Aid75%
$20,811Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,447
24.52 %Acceptance Rates93.15 %
21.85 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.98 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
87 %Graduation Rate55 %
-Transfer-out Rate5 %
93 %Retention Rate75 %
42,006Student Population37,579
2,799Number of Faculties906
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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