Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and CSUN

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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.
  • Cal Poly has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,230) than CSUN ($20,058).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than CSUN.
  • CSUN has more students with 38,313 students while Cal Poly has 23,069 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 931 faculties while CSUN has 918 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California State University-Northridge
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationNorthridge, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,458
Out-Of-State$20,058
52%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,843
31.32 %Acceptance Rates93.45 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.97 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate57 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate6 %
96 %Retention Rate73 %
23,069Student Population38,313
931Number of Faculties918
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio25 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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
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