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.
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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 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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
California State University-Northridge maintains exceptionally manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability for graduates. Median student debt reaches just $13,872, well below the peer median of $20,000, saving graduates $6,128 in borrowing compared to similar institutions.
Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $20,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with relatively modest debt loads. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 means that typical debt represents less than one-quarter of first-year earnings, supporting sustainable repayment.
Parent PLUS loans average $13,374 with monthly payments of approximately $176, providing families with additional financing options when needed. The combination of low net prices and controlled borrowing creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California State University-Northridge delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled costs. Graduates earn $6,268 beyond expectations relative to student demographics, ranking at the 77.7th percentile nationally with well above average value-added performance.
With median earnings of $59,115 and debt of just $13,872, the favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 supports long-term financial stability. The university's affordability index ranks at the 94.5th percentile with excellent tier performance, reflecting exceptional cost management relative to outcomes.
Net prices averaging $7,599 combined with earnings that exceed expectations create outstanding value for California families. Compared to peer institutions where students pay $7,991 more in net costs while earning similar amounts, California State University-Northridge provides superior educational value.
California State University-Northridge demonstrates exceptional commitment to affordability through comprehensive financial aid programming. The university enrolls 56.0% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and reflecting substantial service to lower-income families.
Average financial aid savings of $12,718 reduce the published cost by nearly two-thirds, making higher education accessible to diverse economic backgrounds. The progressive net price structure, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $5,153, enables educational access regardless of family financial resources.
This aid concentration toward lower-income students supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine institution, combining broad access with strong post-graduation outcomes. The substantial gap between sticker price and actual net cost indicates robust federal, state, and institutional aid programming working together to minimize financial barriers.
