Academic Comparison between CSUN and UPenn

California State University-Northridge and University of Pennsylvania are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CSUN is a four-year, public school located in Northridge, CA and UPenn is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Philadelphia, PA.

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.

  • CSUN is a public and UPenn is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • UPenn has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,686) than CSUN ($20,058).
  • It is harder to admit to UPenn than CSUN.
  • CSUN has more students with 38,313 students while UPenn has 29,109 students.
  • UPenn has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while CSUN's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • UPenn has more full-time faculties with 2,268 faculties while CSUN has 918 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Northridgevs.University of Pennsylvania
Northridge, CaliforniaLocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$7,458
Out-Of-State$20,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,686
73%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$11,843Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,735
93.45 %Acceptance Rates5.40 %
17.97 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)67.98 %
-SAT Score1,550
-ACT Score35
57 %Graduation Rate97 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate-
73 %Retention Rate99 %
38,313Student Population29,109
918Number of Faculties2,268
25 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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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