California State University Northridge

Northridge, CA

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

California State University Northridge (CSUN) stands as one of the largest and most diverse universities in the California State University system, serving over 38,000 students in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Founded in 1958, CSUN has evolved into a comprehensive public university known for its commitment to student success, innovative programs, and profound impact on social mobility. The university consistently ranks among the nation's top producers of bachelor's degrees for underrepresented minority students. CSUN's mission emphasizes access, engagement, and educational opportunity for students from all backgrounds. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, the university embraces its role in providing transformative education to students who represent the diversity of California and the nation. This commitment to inclusive excellence permeates every aspect of campus life. The university has built national reputations in several areas, including its Deaf Studies program, engineering programs, and highly regarded business school. CSUN's College of Engineering has produced more engineers now working in the aerospace industry than any other university in the nation. The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics holds AACSB accreditation and serves as an engine of economic development for the region. CSUN has overcome significant challenges throughout its history, including the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake that caused extensive campus damage. The university's resilient response to this disaster demonstrated its community's strength and determination. Today, CSUN continues to fulfill its mission of providing outstanding education while serving as an intellectual, cultural, and economic hub for the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles region.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: N/A
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Student Life & Environment

Student life at CSUN combines the opportunities of a large university with the practical reality that many students commute to campus and balance school with work and family responsibilities. The university has worked to build campus community despite these challenges, with over 300 student organizations covering academic, cultural, recreational, and social interests. The Matador athletics program competes at the NCAA Division I level, with basketball and baseball games providing rallying points for school spirit. The Student Recreation Center offers fitness facilities, intramural sports, and outdoor adventure programs that help students stay active and connected. Residential living has expanded in recent years, with more students experiencing the community-building that comes from living on or near campus. The Student Union and surrounding areas provide gathering spaces where students study, socialize, and organize. The diversity of the student body means exposure to perspectives and backgrounds that broaden understanding far beyond any classroom curriculum.

Location & Surroundings

Northridge sits in the western San Fernando Valley, a vast suburban expanse that most visitors to Los Angeles never see but that millions of Angelenos call home. The neighborhood offers a more affordable and less congested lifestyle than coastal or central Los Angeles while remaining connected to the entire metropolitan area via freeway and public transit. The climate brings the warm, dry weather that draws people to Southern California, with sunshine the norm and rain a rare enough occurrence to make news. The San Fernando Valley can get notably hot in summer, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making air conditioning essential. Shopping, dining, and entertainment options abound in the surrounding area, from the mega-malls to local favorites. The beach lies about 30 minutes away via the 405 freeway, traffic permitting, while the mountains of the Angeles National Forest rise to the north within similar distance.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at CSUN follows California State University fee structures, making it one of the most affordable options for quality public university education in the nation. California residents pay around 7,000 dollars annually in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students add a substantial surcharge that still compares favorably to many private alternatives. Living costs in the San Fernando Valley are significant but lower than in more desirable Los Angeles neighborhoods, with students often sharing apartments or living at home to manage expenses. Financial aid helps many students cover costs, with significant numbers receiving grants that reduce or eliminate tuition charges. Career outcomes for CSUN graduates benefit from the university's location in the nation's second-largest metropolitan area, with employers across industries accessible from campus. The entertainment industry actively recruits CSUN film and media graduates, while engineering, business, and education programs produce graduates who find positions throughout Southern California.