The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) vs California State University-Northridge (CSUN)

Envision yourself pursuing higher education in either the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, or the dynamic Los Angeles suburb of Northridge, California. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and California State University-Northridge (CSUN) stand as two distinct institutions offering diverse academic opportunities. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UTSA boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. CSUN, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, catering to a more diverse range of academic interests. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions, including student body demographics, popular majors, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	California State University-Northridge	The University of Texas at San Antonio
Overview
Location	Northridge, California	San Antonio, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	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	82.0%	78.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	90.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	1020 - 1220
ACT range	N/A	18 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		51.0%
Students submitting ACT score		11.0%
Total number of applicants	23,656	21,726
Total number of admissions given out	20,842	19,662
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,716	5,512
Yield rate	22.6%	28.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $31,857 Out of state: $43,737	In state: $25,631 Out of state: $37,928
Average net price	$8,708	$11,013
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $6,237 Out of state: $18,534
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,316 Meal plan: $4,506	Room/dormitory: $6,217 Meal plan: $4,147
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	82.0% Average amount $10,882	81.0% Average amount $8,403
Students receiving federal student loan	14.0% Average amount $4,779	45.0% Average amount $5,018
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $12,360	3.0% Average amount $11,519

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,496 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%	29,801 Men 47.8% Women 52.2%
Graduate students	5,612 Men 33.0% Women 67.0%	4,933 Men 44.2% Women 55.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	1.7%	1.5%
International students	6.0%	2.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,029	4,395
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Hawaii Nevada Texas	Texas California Colorado Illinois Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	26:1	26:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	54.2%	51.0%
Dropout rate	33.7%	22.3%
Transferred out	5.6%	23.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,168 Year 2: $74,786 Year 3: $83,652 Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,254 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $78,030 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,211 Year 2: $60,264 Year 3: $73,023 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,590 Year 2: $63,180 Year 3: $70,727 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,484 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $69,865 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $72,470 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $69,652 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,474 Year 2: $62,734 Year 3: $69,012 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,646 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $66,662 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,677 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $66,389 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,900 Year 2: $54,671 Year 3: $65,990

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between UTSA and CSUN?

UTSA is located in San Antonio, Texas, offering a suburban campus environment with a growing city nearby. CSUN is situated in Northridge, California, within the San Fernando Valley, providing a more urban and established suburban setting with access to the greater Los Angeles area. Consider your preference for Texas versus California and the type of city life you desire.
How do the academic programs at UTSA and CSUN compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UTSA is known for its strong programs in cybersecurity, engineering, and business, reflecting its location in a tech-focused city. CSUN has notable programs in film, music, and the arts, leveraging its proximity to Hollywood. Research specific programs of interest to see which university aligns better with your academic goals.
What is the cost of attendance at UTSA versus CSUN?

Generally, CSUN tends to have a lower tuition cost for in-state residents compared to UTSA, as it is part of the California State University system. However, tuition and fees can vary depending on residency status, specific programs, and financial aid. It's crucial to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date cost information and explore financial aid options at both institutions.
How does the student body and campus culture differ between UTSA and CSUN?

UTSA has a diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of San Antonio. CSUN also boasts a diverse student population, representative of the Los Angeles area. Campus culture varies, but both universities offer a range of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Consider visiting both campuses or exploring virtual tours to get a feel for the atmosphere and student life.
What are the research opportunities like at UTSA and CSUN?

Both universities provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UTSA, with its focus on STEM fields, often has strong research programs in engineering, cybersecurity, and health sciences. CSUN, being in close proximity to Los Angeles, offers research opportunities in areas like film, media, and the arts, as well as in STEM fields. Explore faculty profiles and research centers to identify potential research opportunities that align with your interests.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at UTSA and CSUN?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. UTSA's location in San Antonio provides access to job markets in Texas, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors. CSUN's location in the Los Angeles area offers access to a wide range of industries, including entertainment, technology, and business. Research the career services departments at both universities and consider the job markets in each location to assess which aligns better with your career aspirations.
What are the housing options like at UTSA and CSUN?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, including dormitories and apartments. UTSA has a growing number of on-campus housing options. CSUN also provides on-campus housing, and off-campus housing options are readily available in the Northridge area. Consider your budget, preferred living style, and proximity to campus when evaluating housing options at each university.
How do the athletic programs and extracurricular activities compare at UTSA and CSUN?

UTSA competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a range of sports. CSUN also has a variety of NCAA Division I athletic programs. Both universities have numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities, providing opportunities for students to get involved and pursue their interests outside of academics. Check the university websites for specific sports and extracurricular offerings.
What is the overall reputation and ranking of UTSA and CSUN?

Both UTSA and CSUN are well-regarded universities within their respective regions. While rankings can be helpful, they should not be the sole factor in your decision. Consider the specific programs, campus environment, and overall fit when evaluating the reputation of each university. Research the specific programs you are interested in to see how they are ranked.
How can I decide which university is the best fit for me, UTSA or CSUN?

Consider your academic interests, career goals, preferred location, campus environment, and financial situation. Research the specific programs offered at each university, explore the campus culture, and compare the cost of attendance. Visiting the campuses, if possible, or taking virtual tours can also help you get a feel for each university. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your individual needs and preferences.

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