California State University-Northridge prices its education accessibly across the income spectrum, a reflection of its public-university mission and broad financial-aid reach. Low-income families pay approximately $4,905 per year in net price — a figure that places CSUN among the more affordable options in the Azimuth coverage set for students who qualify for need-based aid.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $20,485 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,058 |
| Room and Board | $13,804 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,338 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,464 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $7,021 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,905 |
| $30–48k | $5,450 |
| $48–75k | $7,744 |
| $75–110k | $11,262 |
| $110k+ | $18,040 |
California State University-Northridge prices its education accessibly across the income spectrum, a reflection of its public-university mission and broad financial-aid reach. Low-income families pay approximately $4,905 per year in net price — a figure that places CSUN among the more affordable options in the Azimuth coverage set for students who qualify for need-based aid. Middle-income families see annual costs around $7,744, and higher-income families pay approximately $18,040. Azimuth ranks California State University-Northridge #47 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. For more on how published costs and actual costs diverge, see the net price illusion. California State University-Northridge participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans. The university's Financial Aid and Scholarships Department administers need-based packages, and work-study is available as part of the aid structure for qualifying students, per the financial aid page. Families apply using the FAFSA; California residents may also access Cal Grant funding, which can meaningfully reduce net price for low- and middle-income households beyond what federal aid alone provides. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $13,872, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $13,522; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,664, median federal debt of $13,872 projects to a monthly payment of about $157 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of California State University-Northridge earn median 4-year earnings of $59,664, placing California State University-Northridge in the 44.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $13,438 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 90.8 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks California State University-Northridge #615 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Psychology, General reports 930 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $49,792, ranked #115 nationally in its major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 805 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $65,760, ranked #118 nationally in its major. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication reports 469 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $49,359, ranked #20 nationally in its major. Criminal Justice and Corrections reports 442 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,169, ranked #64 nationally in its major.
