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 ($30,995) than CSUN ($18,975).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than CSUN.
  • CSUN has more students with 37,579 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 20 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • CSUN has more full-time faculties with 906 faculties while Cal Poly has 881 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$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,095
Out-Of-State$18,975
50%% Receiving Financial Aid75%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,447
30.00 %Acceptance Rates93.00 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate55 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate5 %
94 %Retention Rate75 %
22,000Student Population37,579
881Number of Faculties906
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 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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