California State University-Northridge
Northridge, California · Public · 93.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 80/100 · Strong Value
California State University-Northridge is a large public university in the San Fernando Valley, enrolling 32,691 students and earning an overall ROI score of 80 — Strong Value. Its earnings premium sub-score of 97 out of 100 — the highest in this dataset — reflects that CSUN graduates earn dramatically more than a high school credential alternative, driven by the Los Angeles regional labor market and the institution's diverse, career-oriented program mix. The in-state tuition of $7,458 and average net price of $7,021 produce an estimated four-year total cost of only $28,084 — less than a single year's tuition at many private competitors. The median debt of $13,872 is among the lowest in this dataset, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.371 reflects well-calibrated borrowing at the institutional level. The seven-year payback period and strong earnings trajectory from $37,400 at six years to $59,115 at ten years make the financial case compelling. The 57% completion rate is the institution's primary weakness: over two in five students who start do not complete a degree within the standard measurement period, reflecting the challenges facing a commuter-heavy, working-student population. The 71% repayment rate at three years is also below flagship norms. Pell Grant recipients represent 56% of enrollment — a significant majority — making CSUN one of the most economically accessible research-grade universities in California. Among the 50+ programs with Scorecard data, nursing, allied health, electrical engineering, accounting, and computer science all earn A or A-range grades.
California State University-Northridge scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
California State University-Northridge
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,458/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $20,058/yr |
| Average net price | $7,021/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $28,084 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,115 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $13,872 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $147 |
| Estimated payback period | 7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 57.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 32,691 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at California State University-Northridge is $7,458/year ($20,058/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $7,021/year, or roughly $28,084 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $4,905/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,040/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $13,872 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $147 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $59,115 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.37 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,905 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,450 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,744 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,262 |
| $110,001+ | $18,040 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Low-income students (families under $30,000) pay approximately $4,905 annually at net price — one of the lowest access costs for a four-year research university in the United States. At roughly $19,620 over four years, CSUN represents transformational access for low-income California students. Against median six-year earnings of $37,400 and a seven-year payback period, the financial case is strongly positive even at below-average earnings. Pell Grants, Cal Grant, and CSUN institutional aid combine to make this price possible for 56% of students.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income students ($30,001–$75,000) pay between $5,450 and $7,744 annually — a range still dramatically lower than private alternatives. Over four years, total costs in this band are approximately $22,000–$31,000. The seven-year payback period and $59,115 ten-year median earnings make this an unambiguously strong investment for middle-income California families whose students can access CSUN's career-oriented programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($75,001 and above) pay $11,262–$18,040 annually, still well below private university alternatives. Even at $72,000 over four years for the highest income band, CSUN's nursing, engineering, accounting, and computer science programs produce ROI that compares favorably with private colleges charging three to five times as much. The 80 overall ROI score at this price point reflects one of the most straightforward financial value stories in California's public university system.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at California State University-Northridge with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,760 | B+ |
| Psychology | $49,792 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $54,169 | B+ |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $49,359 | C |
| Sociology | $54,500 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $50,663 | C+ |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $42,904 | C |
| Biology | $59,100 | C+ |
| Public Health | $55,989 | B |
| Computer Science | $101,348 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing earns an A grade with first-year median earnings of $106,780 and four-year earnings of $116,613. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.187 is exceptional — one of the best in this entire dataset. With 132 graduates, the statistical confidence is high. At CSUN's $7,021 average net price, nursing graduates achieve one of the most favorable return-on-investment profiles available anywhere in California's public higher education system. Los Angeles's dense hospital and health system market ensures immediate placement demand.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering earns an A grade with first-year earnings of $75,207 and four-year earnings of $104,065. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.232 is very favorable. With 67 graduates, the cohort is meaningful. CSUN's location in the San Fernando Valley — home to a large concentration of defense, aerospace, and technology employers — creates strong engineering placement. At a $7,021 net price, the ROI for electrical engineering is among the highest available in California's public university system.
Accounting
Accounting earns an A grade with first-year earnings of $68,904 and four-year earnings of $92,329. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.229 is excellent. With 257 graduates, this is one of CSUN's highest-volume programs with statistically robust data. The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics at CSUN has strong employer relationships in the Los Angeles accounting and professional services market. Accounting graduates benefit from immediate regional demand from the entertainment, real estate, and financial services industries.
Computer Science
Computer Science earns a B+ grade with first-year earnings of $62,821 and four-year earnings of $101,348. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.294 is low. With 258 graduates, this is a high-confidence program data point. CSUN's location adjacent to the technology and entertainment industry employers of the San Fernando Valley creates strong tech placement pipelines. The four-year earnings figure of $101,348 significantly exceeds the $28,084 estimated four-year cost — one of the clearest financial return demonstrations in this dataset.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration earns a B+ grade with first-year earnings of $43,714 and four-year earnings of $65,760. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.343 is favorable. With 1,100 graduates — the largest single program cohort in this dataset — this is CSUN's most statistically robust program data point. The large cohort reflects CSUN's significant role as a business degree provider for the Los Angeles regional economy. While first-year earnings are modest, the four-year figure and the low cost of attendance make this a financially defensible pathway.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 65.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 70.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 65.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 68.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% |
| Enrollment | 32,691 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 56.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,456 |
CSUN admits 93% of applicants — effectively open access for California residents who meet minimum CSU eligibility requirements. No standardized test data is published. Admission to impacted programs (nursing, computer science, engineering, business) requires meeting program-specific prerequisites and GPA thresholds that are more selective than general admission. Students targeting high-demand programs should plan their prerequisite coursework carefully and apply to their intended major directly rather than as undeclared.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
CSUN's Scorecard peers include Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Iowa State University, and Michigan State University. Among this set, CSUN's earnings premium sub-score of 97 is exceptional — driven by the Los Angeles labor market wage premium — while its completion rate (57%) and repayment rate (71%) lag the peer average. Cal Poly SLO, a more selective CSU campus, shows stronger completion rates but comparable program-level earnings. For California residents accessing in-state pricing, CSUN's combination of low cost, large program breadth, and Los Angeles market access produces a Strong Value designation that holds across most income bands.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge (this school) | 80 | $7,021 | $59,115 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| Iowa State University | 79 | $18,589 | $63,386 |
| Michigan State University | 79 | $19,680 | $67,253 |
| University of Kansas | 76 | $18,059 | $61,945 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
Who Thrives Here
CSUN fits California residents — especially those from the Los Angeles metropolitan area — who are seeking a career-oriented public university education at a fraction of private-school cost. The institution's extraordinary value proposition at the institutional level masks wide program variation, from A-grade nursing and engineering to D- and F-grade performing arts. Students who enter with a focused program plan and take advantage of CSUN's extensive career services and employer connections in the Los Angeles economy will find strong ROI. Students who arrive without a major direction or who face enrollment barriers should understand the completion rate context.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
California State University-Northridge delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $7,021 per year ($28,084 over four years), graduates earn a median of $59,115 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7 years - a solid return on the investment.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $13,872 is very manageable against $59,115 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.