California State University-Northridge vs University of California-San Diego
2
California State University-Northridge
5
University of California-San Diego
Key Metrics Compared
Official Data| Metric | California State University-Northridge | University of California-San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 93% | 25% |
| Graduation Rate | 56% | 88% |
| Avg Earnings (5yr) | $44,372 | $65,669 |
| Median Debt | $13,872 | $15,500 |
| Tuition (In-State) | $7,095 | $15,265 |
| Retention Rate | 74% | 94% |
| Financial Aid | 23% | 24% |
Comparison Analysis
University of California-San Diego graduates earn significantly more than California State University-Northridge graduates. Specifically, the median earnings for UC-San Diego graduates is $65,669, while for CSUN graduates it is $44,372. UC-San Diego also has a much higher graduation rate, at 87.7% compared to CSUN's 56.1%. However, UC-San Diego's tuition is more than double that of CSUN, at $15,265 versus $7,095.
CSUN has a much higher acceptance rate, at 93.2%, compared to UC-San Diego's 24.5%. This indicates that CSUN is less selective in its admissions process.
The overall value proposition depends on individual priorities. Students prioritizing future earnings and graduation rates may favor UC-San Diego, despite the higher tuition. Students prioritizing affordability and a higher likelihood of acceptance may favor CSUN.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Shared Programs
| Shared Major | California State University-Northridge Earnings | University of California-San Diego Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $28,603 | $29,144 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,714 | $98,870 |
| Psychology, General | $28,603 | $0 |
| Psychology, General | $28,603 | $0 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,714 | $0 |
| Sociology | $34,093 | $36,464 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,794 | $33,046 |
| Public Health | $39,011 | $39,144 |
| Biology, General | $29,506 | $34,504 |
| Political Science and Government | $32,014 | $33,345 |