Academic Comparison between San Diego State and California Northstate

San Diego State University and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, 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.

  • San Diego 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 San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than California Northstate.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
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San Diego State California Northstate
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.California Northstate University
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie Classification
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
53%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
36.19 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
76 %Graduation Rate100 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate86 %
41,137Student Population981
1,012Number of Faculties106
27 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