California State University-San Bernardino vs California State University-Northridge
California State University-San Bernardino is a public university in San Bernardino, CA, and California State University-Northridge is a public university in Northridge, CA. California State University-Northridge is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 94% at California State University-San Bernardino. California State University-San Bernardino is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $4,564 a year against $7,021 at California State University-Northridge. About 57% of students graduate at California State University-Northridge, compared with 55% at California State University-San Bernardino. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-San Bernardino alumni earn a median of about $59,977, against $59,115 for California State University-Northridge.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
San Bernardino, CA
Northridge, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,023
32,691
Acceptance rate
94%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
~3.33 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1080
900–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
16–22
Test policy
Considered
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$4,564
$7,021
Full cost / yr
$17,427
$20,485
In-state tuition
$8,093
$7,458
Out-of-state tuition
$20,693
$20,058
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,681
$4,905
$30k - $48k
$2,680
$5,450
$48k - $75k
$4,735
$7,744
$75k - $110k
$7,745
$11,262
Over $110k
$14,316
$18,040
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
57%
Freshman retention
80%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,149
$44,372
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,977
$59,115
Median debt at graduation
$14,715
$13,872
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
56%
First-generation students
60%
54%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 31
Nov 30
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Northridge harder to get into?
- California State University-Northridge is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 94% at California State University-San Bernardino. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Northridge?
- California State University-San Bernardino is cheaper on average. Students pay about $4,564 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $7,021 at California State University-Northridge. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-San Bernardino and California State University-Northridge?
- Before aid, California State University-San Bernardino costs about $17,427 a year and California State University-Northridge about $20,485. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Northridge?
- California State University-San Bernardino. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,681 there, against about $4,905 at California State University-Northridge. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Northridge?
- California State University-Northridge is the larger of the two, with about 32,691 undergraduates against 15,023 at California State University-San Bernardino.
- Does California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Northridge have a better graduation rate?
- California State University-Northridge has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 55% at California State University-San Bernardino.
- Do graduates of California State University-San Bernardino or California State University-Northridge earn more?
- California State University-San Bernardino alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,977 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,115 for California State University-Northridge. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-San Bernardino and California State University-Northridge require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-San Bernardino considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. California State University-Northridge is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do California State University-San Bernardino and California State University-Northridge look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1080 at California State University-San Bernardino and 900–1110 at California State University-Northridge. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-San Bernardino vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-San Bernardino vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-San Bernardino vs University of California-BerkeleyCalifornia State University-Northridge vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Northridge vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Northridge vs University of California-Berkeley
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school