California State University-Northridge
CSUN
Northridge, California 91330
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
California State University-Northridge is a public institution in Northridge with particular strength in business and psychology.
A large campus of 32.4K undergraduates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
56% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $59,115 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $7,599.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Matadors
History & Fun Facts
- •The origins of San Fernando Valley State College trace back to September 1955, when classes first began in 10 leased classrooms at San Fernando High School.
- •1956–1965 Classes started on September 24, 1956, in temporary buildings, with an enrollment of 1,500 students.
- •Ralph Prator was assigned as the first president of the university and enrollment reached 2,525 with a tuition of $29 per semester.
- •In 1959, the university became the first State College to have its own computer.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
77.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Programs (158)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
74%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
247
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium