Academic Comparison between California Northstate and San Diego State

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

  • California Northstate is a private (for-profit) and San Diego State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,600) than San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than California Northstate.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Northstate Universityvs.San Diego State University
Elk Grove, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, Private (for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$61,6002025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
34%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$11,487Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,851
92.47 %Acceptance Rates36.19 %
5.81 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.36 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
100 %Graduation Rate76 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
86 %Retention Rate91 %
981Student Population41,137
106Number of Faculties1,012
3 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio27 to 1
Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare