Academic Comparison between Fresno State and California Northstate

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

  • Fresno State is a public and California Northstate is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,600) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 416 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
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Fresno State California Northstate
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.California Northstate University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
63%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
95.10 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate100 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate86 %
16,237Student Population981
416Number of Faculties106
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services