California State University-Northridge combines open access admission with exceptional economic mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university produces $6,268 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels well below peer institutions, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
With above average outcomes, reflecting steady earnings relative to educational investment
With excellent tier performance, driven by low debt levels and controlled net costs
With exceptional tier performance among the highest we track, indicating the university's ability to convert broad access into strong earnings growth
With exceptional tier performance among the highest we track, indicating the university's ability to convert broad access into strong earnings growth
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Top-ranked Mobility Engine with open access
California State University-Northridge ranks #16 nationally in Azimuth's mobility analysis, with mobility performance at the 99.6th percentile and earning the exceptional tier designation among the highest we track. Located in Northridge, California, this large public university maintains open access admission standards with a 93.2% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 56.0% Pell-eligible students and 53.9% first-generation students, placing it well above typical public institutions on access measures. Graduates earn $6,268 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 77.7th percentile nationally with well above average performance.
Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years after enrollment, placing California State University-Northridge in the 69.0th percentile for long-term earnings. This combination of open admission, exceptional access, and strong economic outcomes places the university firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions convert educational opportunity into sustained economic advancement for diverse student populations.
California State University-Northridge delivers strong earnings outcomes relative to student demographics and educational investment. Graduates earn a median of $59,115 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 69.0th percentile nationally with above average performance.
Earnings range from $34,394 at the 25th percentile to $85,290 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across diverse academic programs. The institution generates $6,268 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 77.7th percentile nationally on this value-added measure with well above average outcomes.
Students from diverse backgrounds seeking strong post-graduation outcomes at an affordable public university. Well-suited for first-generation students (53.9%) and Pell-eligible students (56.0%) who want accessible admission with demonstrated economic mobility.
California State University-Northridge's Mobility Engine designation reflects exceptional outcomes for students from all economic backgrounds.
California State University-Northridge admits approximately 93.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that California State University-Northridge is more accessible than many similar public institutions, admitting about 15 percentage points more applicants than the typical peer. This open access approach reflects the California State University system's mission to provide broad educational opportunity.
For prospective students, this high acceptance rate means admission is highly likely for students who meet basic eligibility requirements and complete their applications properly. Students should view California State University-Northridge as an accessible option while still taking application requirements seriously.
The university's combination of open access with strong post-graduation outcomes makes it particularly valuable for students seeking both admission certainty and career preparation. Applicants should focus on demonstrating academic preparation and fit with specific programs rather than building extensive reach school strategies.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
California State University-Northridge maintains exceptional affordability as a public institution serving diverse student populations. The published cost of attendance reaches $20,317 annually, including $7,095 in-state tuition, $12,648 for room and board, and $1,284 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $7,599 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,718 from the sticker price. This 62.6% discount reflects the institution's commitment to accessibility through substantial financial aid programming.
The average net price of $7,599 falls well below the peer median of $15,590, saving families $7,991 annually compared to similar institutions. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $5,153 for families earning under $30,000 to $18,688 for families earning over $110,000.
This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income families face minimal financial barriers while higher-income families pay closer to full cost. The substantial financial aid reduces the published price to manageable levels for most California families, supporting the university's access mission and making higher education achievable for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
California State University-Northridge graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time with strong cohort confidence. Median earnings rise from $44,372 six years after enrollment to $51,871 at eight years and $59,115 at ten years, representing 33.2% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 9,879 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across the university's diverse program portfolio. Graduates earn $6,268 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing California State University-Northridge in the 77.7th percentile for earnings uplift with well above average performance.
Low-income graduates earn $48,400, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income families. Earnings span from $34,394 at the 25th percentile to $85,290 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory across the university's 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data.
Approximately 25.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry. The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward mobility as graduates advance in their careers.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
90 graduates
Computer Science.
160 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
85 graduates
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.
39 graduates
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
18 graduates
California State University-Northridge offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Mechanical Engineering stands out with graduates earning $87,847, ranking #38 nationally and #15 in California with 226 graduates and a strong value score of 83.4.
Accounting Technology ranks #27 nationally and #4 in California, producing 304 graduates with median earnings of $79,922 and an exceptional value score of 90.5. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #8 nationally and #1 in California, graduating 195 students with median earnings of $56,371 and a value score of 90.1.
Psychology, the university's largest program by enrollment, graduates 804 students annually with median earnings of $43,423, reflecting strong student demand. Business Administration graduates 740 students with median earnings of $57,122, while Applied Sociology ranks #45 nationally with 531 graduates earning $46,758.
The program portfolio demonstrates strength across business, health sciences, and engineering fields while serving large cohorts of students.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Houston Similar quality tier (#15 ranked) | TX | 70% | $62,377 | #15 | Compare |
The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley Similar quality tier (#14 ranked) | TX | 85% | $49,620 | #14 | Compare |
California State University-Sacramento Similar quality tier in West (#17 ranked) | CA | 94% | $64,876 | #17 | Compare |
San Jose State University Similar quality tier in West (#18 ranked) | CA | 80% | $78,988 | #18 | Compare |
University Of Central Florida Similar quality tier (#19 ranked) | FL | 40% | $58,308 | #19 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the California State University-Northridge hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/california-state-university-northridge/analysis.
