Academic Comparison between CSUN and Cal Poly

California State University-Northridge and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 State University-Northridgevs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Northridge, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,458
Out-Of-State$20,058
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
73%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$11,843Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,264
93.45 %Acceptance Rates31.32 %
17.97 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.61 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
57 %Graduation Rate86 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
73 %Retention Rate96 %
38,313Student Population23,069
918Number of Faculties931
25 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 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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