Academic Comparison between Fresno State and California Northstate

California State University-Fresno and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in Fresno, CA and California Northstate is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, CA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Fresnovs.California Northstate University
Fresno, 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$7,341
Out-Of-State$19,941
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
76%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$11,442Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
95.26 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
17.52 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
57 %Graduation Rate100 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
82 %Retention Rate86 %
24,427Student Population981
814Number of Faculties106
22 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 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