California State University-Northridge (CSUN) vs Chico State

California State University-Northridge (CSUN) and California State University-Chico (CSUC) are two esteemed public universities in California, each offering a unique educational experience. CSUN, located in the vibrant San Fernando Valley, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while CSUC, nestled in the picturesque Sacramento Valley, is known for its strong academic reputation and beautiful campus. With acceptance rates of 52% and 63%, respectively, both universities offer accessible pathways to higher education. While CSUN excels in fields like Business, Engineering, and Health Professions, CSUC shines in areas such as Agriculture, Business, and Education. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, student demographics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	California State University-Chico	California State University-Northridge
Overview
Location	Chico, California	Northridge, California
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	82.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.5%	88.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	19,990	23,656
Total number of admissions given out	17,086	20,842
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,929	4,716
Yield rate	11.3%	22.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,984 Out of state: $35,864	In state: $31,857 Out of state: $43,737
Average net price	$13,749	$8,708
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,609 Meal plan: $3,881	Room/dormitory: $7,316 Meal plan: $4,506
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $8,691	82.0% Average amount $10,882
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $4,637	14.0% Average amount $4,779
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $11,369	1.0% Average amount $12,360

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,462 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%	34,496 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Graduate students	1,240 Men 33.6% Women 66.4%	5,612 Men 33.0% Women 67.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	1.3%	1.7%
International students	2.9%	6.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,323	4,029
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Oregon Washington Arizona Colorado	California Washington Hawaii Nevada Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Engineering Technologies	Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	26:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	65.4%	54.2%
Dropout rate	27.4%	33.7%
Transferred out	4.8%	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $94,107 Year 2: $95,797 Year 3: $96,478 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,190 Year 2: $83,091 Year 3: $93,961 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,808 Year 2: $74,241 Year 3: $91,563 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,244 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $79,499 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,761 Year 2: $69,617 Year 3: $79,308 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,803 Year 2: $66,355 Year 3: $76,389 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,879 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $74,258 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,880 Year 2: $66,222 Year 3: $74,116 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,298 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $69,321 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,812 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $68,680	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $108,158 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,831 Year 2: $92,124 Year 3: $98,535 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,745 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $97,852 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,455 Year 2: $88,907 Year 3: $96,626 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,863 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $92,559 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $80,493 Year 3: $92,252 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,281 Year 2: $83,669 Year 3: $89,964 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,782 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $84,221 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,859 Year 2: $73,070 Year 3: $82,977 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,180 Year 2: $76,863 Year 3: $82,194

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between CSU Northridge (CSUN) and CSU Chico?

CSUN, located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, is a large, diverse, and metropolitan university known for its strong programs in film, television, and business. CSU Chico, situated in a smaller, more traditional college town in Northern California, offers a more intimate campus environment and is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science, and communication studies. CSUN's setting provides access to numerous internships and career opportunities in major industries, while CSU Chico offers a more close-knit community and a focus on outdoor activities.
Which university is larger, CSUN or CSU Chico?

CSUN is significantly larger than CSU Chico. CSUN typically has a student population exceeding 38,000, while CSU Chico's enrollment is usually around 16,000. This difference in size impacts class sizes, campus atmosphere, and the availability of resources.
How do the campus environments compare between CSUN and CSU Chico?

CSUN offers a more urban and commuter-oriented campus experience. Many students live off-campus and commute. CSU Chico provides a more traditional residential college experience, with a greater percentage of students living on or near campus, fostering a stronger sense of community.
What are the strengths of CSUN's academic programs?

CSUN excels in programs related to the entertainment industry, such as film, television production, and screenwriting. It also has strong business, engineering, and education programs. Its location in Los Angeles provides students with unparalleled access to internships and networking opportunities in these fields.
What are the strengths of CSU Chico's academic programs?

CSU Chico is known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science, and communication studies. The university also has a well-regarded nursing program and a commitment to sustainability. Its location in Northern California provides unique opportunities for field research and hands-on learning in these areas.
How do the costs of attending CSUN and CSU Chico compare?

Tuition and fees are generally similar between CSUN and CSU Chico, as they are both part of the California State University system. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and personal expenses. Living in Los Angeles (CSUN) tends to be more expensive than living in Chico (CSU Chico), particularly regarding housing.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

CSUN offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities catering to its diverse student body. Due to its location, there are many opportunities to explore Los Angeles' cultural attractions. CSU Chico has a more traditional college town atmosphere with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Both universities offer a variety of student government, Greek life, and athletic opportunities.
Which university is better for students interested in the entertainment industry?

CSUN is generally considered a better choice for students specifically interested in the entertainment industry. Its proximity to Hollywood and numerous studios provides unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and industry professionals. The university's film and television programs are highly regarded and offer specialized training in various aspects of the industry.
Which university is better for students interested in environmental science or agriculture?

CSU Chico is generally considered a better choice for students interested in environmental science or agriculture. Its location in Northern California provides access to diverse ecosystems and agricultural lands, offering unique opportunities for field research and hands-on learning. The university's programs in these areas are well-established and have a strong reputation.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare between CSUN and CSU Chico?

Both CSUN and CSU Chico offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. CSUN's location in Los Angeles provides access to a larger and more diverse job market, particularly in the entertainment, technology, and business sectors. CSU Chico's alumni network is strong in Northern California, particularly in agriculture, education, and government. The best choice depends on your desired career path and geographic preferences.

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