Academic Comparison between San Francisco State and California Northstate

San Francisco State University and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Francisco State is a four-year, public school located in San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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 Francisco State ($20,446).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate than San Francisco State.
  • San Francisco State has more students with 22,563 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while San Francisco State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • San Francisco State has more full-time faculties with 797 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Francisco State Universityvs.California Northstate University
San Francisco, 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$7,846
Out-Of-State$20,446
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
63%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$12,110Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
96.44 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
8.60 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate100 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate-
83 %Retention Rate86 %
22,563Student Population981
797Number of Faculties106
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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