Students at California State University-Northridge achieve remarkable economic mobility, with the university ranking in the top 1% nationally for helping students from all backgrounds reach strong financial outcomes.
CSUN combines exceptional affordability with earnings that consistently exceed expectations, making it one of California's most effective pathways to middle-class careers.
California State University-Northridge ranks among the top public universities nationwide for combining broad access with strong economic outcomes. As a designated "Mobility Engine," CSUN serves a highly diverse student body—56% receive Pell Grants and 54% are first-generation college students—while delivering earnings that place graduates well above national averages. The university's affordability percentile of 93.4% reflects exceptionally low net prices across all income levels, making quality higher education accessible to families throughout Southern California.
CSUN's graduates earn a median of $59,115 ten years after enrollment, with the university delivering $6,268 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar institutions nationwide. This combination of access, affordability, and strong return on investment positions CSUN as one of California's most effective public universities for economic mobility. The institution's large scale allows it to offer comprehensive programming while maintaining the personalized support that helps diverse student populations succeed.
Located in the San Fernando Valley, CSUN provides the resources of a major public research university with deep connections to Los Angeles-area employers. For families seeking a proven pathway to middle-class careers without overwhelming debt, CSUN represents an exceptional value proposition in California's competitive higher education landscape.
California State University-Northridge offers a diverse program portfolio that serves students across multiple career interests and earning potentials. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 740 students annually with median earnings of $41,586—a combination that makes it CSUN's economic engine. Psychology, the university's largest program with 804 graduates, provides foundational training for diverse career paths, though early-career earnings of $26,507 reflect the field's emphasis on graduate education and varied career trajectories.
The university's professional programs demonstrate particular strength in high-demand fields. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn $92,124, reflecting both the program's quality and the premium that Southern California's healthcare systems place on skilled nursing professionals. This earning level positions CSUN nursing graduates among the highest-paid in their field nationally, demonstrating the university's ability to compete with more selective institutions in specialized professional training.
CSUN's program mix reflects its mission to serve working families and regional workforce needs. The university balances popular liberal arts fields like Psychology with professional programs in business, healthcare, and education that provide direct pathways to stable careers. As a comprehensive institution graduating substantial cohorts annually, CSUN maintains strong employer relationships throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area, creating extensive opportunities for internships, job placement, and career advancement across multiple industries.
California State University-Northridge delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates across diverse academic backgrounds. Ten years after enrollment, CSUN graduates earn a median of $59,115, placing the university in the 66th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. More importantly, graduates earn about $6,268 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting CSUN's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be expected based on student characteristics and regional factors.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, creating opportunities across different career interests. Business Administration, the university's largest high-return program with 740 graduates, produces median earnings of $41,586 and represents CSUN's strongest combination of scale and financial outcomes. Psychology, with 804 graduates, shows more moderate early-career earnings at $26,507 but provides a foundation for diverse career paths. At the high end, Adult Health Nursing graduates earn $92,124, demonstrating CSUN's strength in professional health programs that command premium salaries in Southern California's robust healthcare market.
The university's location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area provides graduates access to one of the nation's most diverse and dynamic job markets. While cost of living in Southern California runs above national averages, CSUN's strong earnings performance helps graduates build sustainable careers in fields ranging from business and healthcare to education and entertainment, with many finding opportunities for continued advancement as their careers progress.
California State University-Northridge stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in the nation, ranking in the 93rd percentile for affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $5,153 per year in net price, while middle-income families see annual costs of $8,897—both figures well below what most public universities charge. Even high-income families pay $18,688 annually, a reasonable figure for a comprehensive university in the Los Angeles area that provides access to extensive academic programs and career opportunities.
The university's affordability extends beyond sticker price to include manageable debt levels for most students. Typical graduates leave with $13,872 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that aligns well with CSUN's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,374, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing at sustainable levels. With a 0% federal loan default rate, CSUN demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational investments while building stable careers.
What makes CSUN particularly accessible is how it maintains quality and outcomes while keeping costs low. The combination of strong state funding, efficient operations, and a mission focused on serving working families allows CSUN to deliver exceptional value. For many California families, particularly those in the San Fernando Valley and broader Los Angeles region, CSUN provides a pathway to four-year degree completion without the financial stress that often accompanies higher education.
California State University-Northridge Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
