University of Central Florida (UCF) vs California State University-Northridge (CSUN)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: University of Central Florida (UCF) and California State University-Northridge (CSUN). Both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may sway your decision. UCF, nestled in the vibrant city of Orlando, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. CSUN, situated in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, stands out with its smaller class sizes, fostering a more intimate learning environment. As you embark on this side-by-side comparison, delve into the intricacies of each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, ultimately guiding you toward a fulfilling and transformative college experience.

	California State University-Northridge	University of Central Florida
Overview
Location	Northridge, California	Orlando, Florida
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: 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%	92.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	36.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30
SAT range	N/A	1170 - 1350
ACT range	N/A	25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score		73.0%
Students submitting ACT score		27.0%
Total number of applicants	23,656	48,929
Total number of admissions given out	20,842	17,797
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,716	7,090
Yield rate	22.6%	39.8%
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: $31,857 Out of state: $43,737	In state: $24,036 Out of state: $40,135
Average net price	$8,708	$11,575
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $4,478 Out of state: $19,810
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,316 Meal plan: $4,506	Room/dormitory: $5,670 Meal plan: $4,360
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	82.0% Average amount $10,882	90.0% Average amount $10,078
Students receiving federal student loan	14.0% Average amount $4,779	20.0% Average amount $5,240
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $12,360	1.0% Average amount $14,272

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,496 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%	59,996 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Graduate students	5,612 Men 33.0% Women 67.0%	10,314 Men 40.3% Women 59.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	1.7%	8.5%
International students	6.0%	4.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,029	8,182
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	Florida Georgia New Jersey Pennsylvania New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	26:1	30:1
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%	74.9%
Dropout rate	33.7%	9.8%
Transferred out	5.6%	12.0%
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	Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $135,111 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,940 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $105,950 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,081 Year 2: $76,041 Year 3: $82,681 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,266 Year 2: $63,817 Year 3: $80,838 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,188 Year 2: $67,420 Year 3: $76,084 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,467 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $74,706 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,873 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $73,491 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,142 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $71,339 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,872 Year 2: $58,092 Year 3: $68,273 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,767 Year 2: $56,867 Year 3: $66,145

Frequently Asked Questions

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

UCF is located in Orlando, Florida, offering a suburban environment with close proximity to theme parks, entertainment, and a growing tech industry. CSUN is situated in Northridge, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, providing access to the diverse cultural and professional opportunities of Southern California, including the entertainment industry. UCF's campus is generally considered more expansive, while CSUN has a more established, traditional feel.
How do the academic programs at UCF and CSUN compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UCF is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and hospitality management, benefiting from its location. CSUN excels in programs like film and television production, music, and business, leveraging its Los Angeles location. Both universities have robust liberal arts programs and offer opportunities for research and internships.
What is the cost of attendance like at UCF versus CSUN?

Generally, CSUN offers a more affordable tuition rate for in-state students compared to UCF. However, tuition costs can vary depending on residency status, specific programs, and financial aid eligibility. Out-of-state tuition at both universities is considerably higher. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
How does the student body and campus culture differ between the two universities?

UCF has a larger student body than CSUN, contributing to a more diverse and expansive campus culture. Both universities have active student organizations, Greek life, and a variety of extracurricular activities. CSUN's location in Los Angeles provides unique cultural opportunities, while UCF benefits from its proximity to Orlando's entertainment and tourism industries. Both campuses are known for their school spirit.
What are the athletic programs like at UCF and CSUN?

UCF has a Division I athletic program, competing in the Big 12 Conference, with a strong football program and other competitive sports. CSUN also has a Division I athletic program, competing in the Big West Conference, with a focus on sports like baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Both universities offer opportunities for students to participate in intramural sports and recreational activities.
What are the career services and job placement opportunities like at UCF and CSUN?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UCF's location in a growing tech hub and its strong engineering programs provide excellent opportunities for internships and job placement in related fields. CSUN's proximity to Los Angeles and its strong ties to the entertainment industry offer unique career prospects in film, television, and related areas. Both universities have strong alumni networks that support student career development.
How does the housing and residential life compare at UCF and CSUN?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. UCF has a larger selection of on-campus housing, including apartments and traditional dorms. CSUN also provides on-campus housing, though the availability may be more limited. Both universities offer resources and support for students living on and off campus, including resident advisors and student support services.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity like at UCF and CSUN?

Admission requirements vary, but both universities generally require a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT - though test-optional policies may be in place, so check the websites), and transcripts. UCF is generally considered more selective than CSUN, with higher average GPA and test scores for admitted students. It's important to review the specific admission requirements and deadlines on each university's website.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or film?

UCF is generally considered stronger in engineering, computer science, and hospitality management. CSUN excels in film and television production, music, and business. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests and career goals. Research the specific programs, faculty, and resources available in your chosen field at each university to make an informed decision.
How do the research opportunities compare at UCF and CSUN?

Both universities offer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UCF has a strong emphasis on research, particularly in STEM fields, with numerous research centers and institutes. CSUN also provides research opportunities, with a focus on areas relevant to its academic strengths, such as film and media studies. The availability of research opportunities may vary depending on the specific program and faculty.

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