California State University-Northridge vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo comes out ahead: 96/100 to 80/100, a 16-point edge over California State University-Northridge. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Northridge runs $7,021 a year against $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - $9,644 more a year, or about $38,576 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median $90,768 against $59,115 at California State University-Northridge. The cost earns itself back in 7 years at California State University-Northridge and 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Northridge owing a median $13,872 versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.34 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Universi... | California Polytechnic St... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $7,458 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,058 | $34,665 |
| Net Price (avg) | $7,021 | $16,665 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $28,084 | $66,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $37,400 | $54,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,115 | $90,768 |
| Graduation Rate | 57.0% | 86.4% |
| Payback Period | 7 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $13,872 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $147 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37 | 0.34 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.8% | 91.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 65.5% | 88.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 93.5% | 31.3% |
| Enrollment | 32,691 | 21,996 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Uni... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,905 | $7,529 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,450 | $7,253 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $7,744 | $9,896 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $11,262 | $15,786 |
| $110,001+ | $18,040 | $27,772 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Uni... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $101,348 | $154,784 |
| Computer Engineering | $101,021 | $148,950 |
| Electrical Engineering | $104,065 | $125,240 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,760 | $110,902 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $99,216 | $106,750 |
| Civil Engineering | $97,123 | $101,072 |
| Economics | $72,890 | $98,927 |
| Philosophy | $48,566 | $98,592 |
| Mathematics | $63,077 | $83,187 |
| International Relations | $57,527 | $81,843 |
| Chemistry | $79,878 | $63,882 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $45,453 | $78,097 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $57,138 | $75,223 |
| Journalism | $53,351 | $70,829 |
| Sociology | $54,500 | $69,883 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 97 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 83 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 90 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 54 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 42 | 97 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 96 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo clearly outperforms California State University-Northridge (96 vs 80), a 16-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless California State University-Northridge brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
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California State University-Northridge
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.