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Public, 4-year

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, California · www.csun.edu

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U.S. News Global 2027

#1661

Down 119 from 2026

Acceptance rate

93.4%

2025

Peer median 85.8%

Out-of-state tuition

$20,058

In-state $7,458

Peer median $18,658

Undergraduates

32,756

Student-faculty ratio 25:1

Peer median 16 : 1

Graduation rate

22.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 56.0%

Peer median 29.5%

“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a prominent public university located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. Established in 1958, CSUN is known for its diverse academic programs, offering over 70 undergraduate and 50 graduate degrees across various fields such as business, engineering, education, and the arts. The university's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is reflected in its diverse student body, with students from numerous cultural backgrounds, creating a vibrant campus culture that encourages collaboration and innovation.

CSUN is also recognized for its robust facilities and resources that enhance the student experience. The campus features state-of-the-art laboratories, performance venues, and recreational facilities, including the Student Recreation Center, which offers various fitness programs and activities. Additionally, the university emphasizes the importance of student engagement and extracurricular activities, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic programs available. The CSUN Matadors compete in NCAA Division I sports, fostering school spirit and community involvement. With a strong focus on career readiness, CSUN provides students with ample internship opportunities and connections to industry leaders, contributing to high employment rates among graduates. Overall, CSUN stands out as a dynamic institution dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and community service.

Analysis of Key Metrics at California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge has shown notable trends in several key metrics over the years. One of the most significant observations is the increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition has risen from $6,525 to $7,095, while out-of-state tuition increased from $17,685 to $18,975. This consistent upward trend in tuition reflects broader national concerns regarding the escalating costs of higher education, potentially impacting access for lower-income students and leading to increased student debt.

In addition to tuition, the graduation rates present a mixed picture. The percentage of students graduating on time (within four years) has shown slight fluctuations, starting from approximately 14.2% in 2013 and rising to about 14.8% in 2023. While this indicates a mild improvement, the overall figures remain relatively low when compared to national averages, which often hover around 40% or higher for public universities. This raises questions about the effectiveness of retention strategies and support services for students.

Another critical factor is the student retention rate, which peaked at around 83.5% in 2021 but dropped back to approximately 74.7% by 2023. This decline suggests challenges in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact on higher education. High retention rates are crucial, as they often correlate with higher graduation rates and overall student success.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has shown some stability, fluctuating between 24 to 28 students per faculty member over the years. A lower ratio generally indicates a better learning environment, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors. However, the recent trend towards a higher ratio could potentially hinder the quality of education and student experience.

In summary, while California State University-Northridge has made strides in certain areas, the rising tuition costs, stagnant graduation rates, declining retention figures, and subtle changes in the student-to-faculty ratio highlight the need for ongoing assessment and improvement to enhance student outcomes and educational quality.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 20 mi
Northridge, California
Also known as
CSUN
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Erika D. Beck (President)
Phone
8186771200
City
Northridge, California
Address
18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
92.5%
Women
94.2%

In 2020: men 55.2%, women 62.6%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at California State University-Northridge

The admission data from California State University-Northridge reveals significant trends over the years. The acceptance rates for both male and female applicants show considerable fluctuations. For instance, in 2009, the male acceptance rate was approximately 66.3%, while the female rate was about 70.3%. Fast forward to 2023, these rates have dramatically improved to 89.9% for males and 93.1% for females, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive admissions policy.
The number of enrollments has also varied, peaking at 5,637 in 2016. However, the most striking aspect is the decline in the number of applicants being denied admission over the years. In 2014, the number of denied applications reached an alarming 15,773, but by 2023, it has significantly reduced to just 2,278. This decline suggests the university's efforts to expand access to education, potentially in response to the increasing demand for higher education and changing demographics in California.
Interestingly, the deferments show a consistent pattern, with a notable peak in 2022 when over 16,126 applications were deferred. This could reflect the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, where many students chose to delay their college plans.
Overall, these trends highlight California State University-Northridge's commitment to increasing accessibility and adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education. The consistent rise in acceptance rates and the reduction in denial rates suggest a positive direction towards inclusivity and support for prospective students.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at California State University-Northridge

The admissions statistics at California State University-Northridge over the years present a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of higher education. The percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has remained consistently high, peaking at 95% in the years 2021 to 2023, indicating a strong reliance on standardized testing in the admissions process.

The score ranges reveal a slight upward trend in the 25th percentile SAT reading and math scores over the years, suggesting that the university is becoming increasingly competitive. For example, the lower end of the SAT reading scores rose from 400 in 2007 to 460 in 2018 and beyond. This reflects a shift towards admitting students with stronger academic backgrounds, which aligns with national trends where institutions are looking for higher-achieving candidates.

Moreover, the data demonstrates a significant increase in the number of applicants providing SAT scores, with the highest numbers recorded in recent years. This could be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of college admissions standards, the growing emphasis on test scores, and possibly the recent shifts in standardized testing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected how universities approached admissions.

Additionally, the steady rise in the 75th percentile scores further underscores the heightened expectations placed on applicants. As competitive pressures mount, it will be interesting to see how California State University-Northridge and other institutions adapt their evaluation criteria in the coming years, especially with the ongoing discussions about the relevance of standardized testing in college admissions.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

33,005 applicants in 2025, 93.4% admitted

30,842 admitted 2,163 not admitted Yield 18.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's8,037224 international (2.8%)
Master's1,766322 international (18.2%)
Doctoral572 international (3.5%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
1169
Psychology, General
995
Radio and Television
463
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
347
Art/Art Studies, General
343
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
337
Sociology, General
334
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
323
Computer Science
313
Public Health, General
238

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Social Work · Master's189 (2% international)
  • Engineering/Industrial Management · Master's162 (86% international)
  • Public Administration · Master's156 (1% international)
  • Computer Science · Master's59 (76% international)
  • Public Health, General · Master's59 (7% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's54 (11% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Trends at California State University-Northridge

The graduation data from California State University-Northridge in 2023 reveals significant insights into the academic landscape, particularly in the fields of Criminal Justice and Media Studies. Notably, the Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Safety Studies saw 436 graduates, making it the most popular program this year. This trend aligns with the growing interest in criminal justice careers, likely fueled by recent societal discussions around policing and public safety. The media studies program also demonstrated a strong performance with 430 graduates, indicating a robust interest in broadcast and television amidst the evolving media environment.

Interestingly, the numbers for international students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in these fields, while present, make up a small percentage of the total graduates, with only 6 international graduates in Criminal Justice and 23 in Media Studies. This suggests that domestic students dominate these programs, reflecting a potential gap in global perspectives within these crucial fields.

Furthermore, the data indicates a distinct absence of graduates in Master’s and Doctorate programs across various disciplines, especially in health-related fields, where the numbers are starkly low. This could signify either a lack of advanced degree offerings in these areas or an unmet demand for advanced studies in health professions, considering the ongoing global health challenges.

Overall, the data highlights not only the popularity of specific programs but also raises questions about the availability and attractiveness of advanced studies at California State University-Northridge, especially in essential sectors like public health.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 1561 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$50,898-$94,472
Accounting.$74,096
Finance, General.$55,572
Hospitality Administration/Management, Other.$41,741
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$44,378
Taxation.$103,323
Psychology has 1045 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$34,217
Research and Experimental Psychology, Other.-
School Psychology.$76,683
Applied Behavior Analysis.$76,683
Health professionshas 987 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.$30,813-$63,600
Audiology/Audiologist.$30,813-$63,600
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.$30,813-$63,600
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$47,298-$70,472
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$103,066
Athletic Training/Trainer.$103,066
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.-
Public Health, General.$44,294-$69,311
Environmental Health.$44,294-$69,311
Physical Therapy/Therapist.$65,455
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering.$65,455
Rehabilitation Science.$65,455
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$107,276
Communication has 794 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$39,561-$55,869
Journalism.$41,557
Radio and Television.$34,411
Social sciencehas 712 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Anthropology, General.$28,343
Economics, General.$47,399
Geography.-
Geographic Information Science and Cartography.-
Political Science and Government, General.$38,484
Sociology, General.$40,801
Urban Studies/Affairs.-
Visual and Performing artshas 639 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Dance, General.-
Interior Design.$38,152
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.$21,997-$25,667
Playwriting and Screenwriting.$21,997-$25,667
Art/Art Studies, General.$27,943
Fine/Studio Arts, General.$27,943
Music, General.$28,903-$50,835
Music Performance, General.$28,903-$50,835
Music, Other.$28,903-$50,835
Educationhas 508 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.-
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$60,601
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.$60,601
Community College Administration.$60,601
Educational/Instructional Technology.$81,642
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Special Education and Teaching, Other.-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.$57,342
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Mathematics Teacher Education.$86,422
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.$86,422
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.-
Engineeringhas 497 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Civil Engineering, General.$72,768-$99,276
Structural Engineering.$72,768-$99,276
Computer Engineering, General.$84,485
Computer Software Engineering.$84,485
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.$80,093
Materials Engineering.$94,009
Mechanical Engineering.$75,759
Manufacturing Engineering.$94,160
Computer and information sciencehas 491 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Information Technology.$62,281
Computer and Information Sciences, Other.$62,281
Computer Science.$64,914
Parks, recreation, leisure has 370 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.$34,031-$52,373
Public administrationhas 370 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Public Administration.$76,590-$84,412
Social Work.$76,529
Homeland security has 337 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$40,326
Biologyhas 280 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$33,664-$66,642
Biochemistry.$49,811
Liberal arts has 216 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$40,504
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.$40,504
Engineering technologieshas 206 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.$90,668
Engineering/Industrial Management.$126,039
English has 197 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.$32,774-$55,662
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 116 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis.-
Nutrition Sciences.$63,712
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.-
Business Analytics.-
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Cultural has 114 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Latin American Studies.-
African-American/Black Studies.$33,237
Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies.$33,237
Asian-American Studies.$33,237
Deaf Studies.$33,237
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.$33,237
History has 96 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.$35,987
Human science has 91 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.$38,153
Family Resource Management Studies, General.-
Apparel and Textiles, General.-
Foreign languages has 65 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.-
Linguistics.-
Spanish Language and Literature.$28,533
Physical scienceshas 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 42 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.$40,239
Natural resources has 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Science.-
Philosophy has 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy.$31,758
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Jewish/Judaic Studies.-
Architecture has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning.-

Students

38,313 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 73.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (32,756)

Hispanic
18,936 · 57.8%
White
5,896 · 18.0%
Asian
2,861 · 8.7%
Black
1,828 · 5.6%
Unknown
1,138 · 3.5%
Two or more races
1,071 · 3.3%
International
952 · 2.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.9%
18–19
27.8%
20–21
28.4%
22–24
22.7%
25 and over
19.2%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.2%
22–24
24.5%
25–29
32.0%
30–34
17.0%
35 and over
25.3%

Data insights

Student Demographics at California State University-Northridge in 2023

The student demographics at California State University-Northridge reveal a diverse and dynamic student body for the year 2023. A total of 49,593 students are enrolled, with undergraduate freshmen constituting a significant portion of the population. The gender distribution indicates a slight female majority across all categories, with undergraduate freshmen showing 52.7% female representation compared to 47.3% male.

Interestingly, the data reflects a consistent pattern in the gender ratios across different student classifications, with undergraduate seniors and transfer students having similar distributions. The graduate student population shows an even higher female representation at 65.3%, which may suggest an increasing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the breakdown indicates that the university is home to a variety of backgrounds. While specific data for some categories is not fully reported, the percentages of different racial groups offer insight into the multicultural environment at the institution. This diversity not only enriches the academic experience but also prepares students for working in a global society.

Overall, California State University-Northridge continues to foster an inclusive atmosphere, welcoming students from various backgrounds and promoting gender equality in education. As societal trends evolve, it will be interesting to monitor how these dynamics shift in the coming years, particularly in response to broader social movements advocating for equity and representation in higher education.

Age Composition of Students at California State University-Northridge

The age composition of students at California State University-Northridge reveals a dynamic and diverse student body. The largest age group is comprised of students aged 18-21, accounting for approximately 45% of the total male and female students. This trend is consistent with many universities across the United States, where younger students typically represent the majority, reflecting the traditional college age demographic.

Interestingly, while the number of undergraduate students remains high, there is a noticeable presence of older students, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age brackets. These groups emphasize the growing trend of non-traditional students returning to education, motivated by career changes or the pursuit of advanced degrees. In fact, students aged 25-29 make up about 17% of the total student population, indicating a significant commitment to lifelong learning.

Moreover, the representation of graduate students, especially among those aged 22-24 and 25-29, highlights the importance of advanced education in today’s job market. As industries evolve, the demand for specialized skills drives many young professionals back to school, contributing to the increasing enrollment in graduate programs.

The data also reflects a gender balance across various age groups, with female students often outnumbering their male counterparts in both undergraduate and graduate categories. This trend aligns with national statistics showing that women have been earning a larger share of college degrees over the past few decades.

Overall, the age distribution at California State University-Northridge underscores the institution’s role in catering to a wide range of age groups, thus fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports both traditional and non-traditional students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates2.9%

952 in 2025 · 8.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 8.7%2017: 8.7%2018: 8.5%2019: 8.1%2020: 7.1%2021: 6.3%2022: 5.7%2023: 3.3%2024: 3.2%2025: 2.9%
2016Peer median 1.7%2025
Graduate students12.2%

680 in 2025 · 13.2% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 13.2%2017: 11.3%2018: 6.6%2019: 5.3%2020: 5.6%2021: 5.5%2022: 7.7%2023: 10.2%2024: 13.2%2025: 12.2%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at California State University-Northridge

The data on international student enrollment at California State University-Northridge reveals significant trends over the years, reflecting both growth and challenges. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students increased from 4.52% to a peak of 8.74% in 2016, before experiencing a decline in recent years, ultimately dropping to 3.35% in 2023. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the global pandemic and changing immigration policies that affect international students’ ability to study in the U.S.

Interestingly, the graduate student population shows a more fluctuating trend. While there was a notable increase in the proportion of international graduate students reaching 13.23% in 2016, the numbers have since stabilized, with a slight rise to 10.23% in 2023. This indicates a resilience among graduate programs, possibly due to the high demand for advanced degrees in a globalized workforce.

The overall decrease in international undergraduate enrollment in recent years could be a cause for concern as it reflects broader challenges faced by U.S. universities in attracting international talent. The increasing competition from institutions in other countries, alongside domestic issues, may deter prospective students.

In conclusion, while CSUN has experienced growth in international graduate enrollment, the decline in undergraduate percentages signals a need for strategic initiatives to enhance its appeal to international students. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for maintaining a diverse and globally engaged academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$33,862

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$20,058
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$7,458
Room and board
$13,804
Graduate tuition
$19,062
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 13% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 39%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$807M

Government grants and contracts
$525M65.0%
Tuition and fees
$145M18.0%
Investment return
$31.2M3.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$29.2M3.6%
Gifts and private grants
$8.2M1.0%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.4M0.2%
Other
$66.7M8.3%

Expenses$775M

Instruction
$254M32.8%
Scholarships
$134M17.3%
Student services
$123M15.9%
Academic support
$77.4M10.0%
Institutional support
$59.4M7.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$31.8M4.1%
Research
$4.3M0.5%
Public service
$1.7M0.2%
Other
$88.4M11.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$112,088peers $80,690
Professor
$126,974peers $98,841
Associate professor
$113,802peers $84,060
Assistant professor
$101,470peers $74,446
Lecturer
$81,367peers $60,351

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Big West Conference

Big West Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division I without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)9565
Soccer2723
Volleyball2418
Basketball1913
Softball-28
Baseball27-
Beach Volleyball-21
Water Polo-20
Tennis-14
Golf76
2024
NCAA Division I without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)8273
Soccer3635
Baseball44-
Volleyball2317
Basketball1820
Softball-28
Water Polo-24
Beach Volleyball-20
Tennis-16
Golf76
2023
NCAA Division I without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)9072
Soccer3737
Baseball44-
Volleyball2222
Basketball1918
Softball-28
Water Polo-24
Beach Volleyball-15
Golf86
Tennis-13

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities surrounding California State University-Northridge:

  1. University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) - Ranked 15th in the 2024 US News rankings, UCLA is a prestigious public research university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Southern California (USC) - With a rank of 28, USC is a private research university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, renowned for its film, business, and engineering schools.

  3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Ranked 7th, Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering college with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.

  4. Pepperdine University - This private university is ranked 76th and is known for its beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its strong programs in business and law.

  5. Loyola Marymount University - With a rank of 93, this private university is recognized for its liberal arts education and commitment to values-based learning.

  6. Occidental College - A highly regarded liberal arts college ranked 35th, Occidental offers a unique curriculum that emphasizes global citizenship and social responsibility.

  7. Chapman University - Ranked 133rd, Chapman is a private university known for its programs in the arts, business, and health sciences.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
113
Drug arrests
44
Liquor referrals
37
Domestic violence
30
Fondling
20
Rape
17

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at California State University-Northridge

The crime statistics at California State University-Northridge over the past decade reveal significant trends in campus safety and criminal activity. The data shows a peak in crime rates in 2017, with a reported rate of 6.23 incidents per 1,000 students. This peak may correlate with broader societal trends, including increased awareness of campus safety issues and possibly heightened reporting of incidents.

In subsequent years, particularly from 2018 onwards, there has been a notable decline in reported crime rates, dropping to 1.85 incidents per 1,000 students by 2023. Such a decrease could be indicative of improved safety measures and preventive strategies implemented by the university, including better campus security, educational programs regarding substance use, and a focus on creating a supportive environment for students.

Particularly concerning is the fluctuation in arrests related to drug use and alcohol, as well as instances of gun-related arrests. The presence of these crimes emphasizes the importance of ongoing initiatives to address substance abuse and ensure the safety of all campus members.

The decline in crime rates during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 suggests that the unique circumstances of remote learning may have contributed to a safer campus environment, as fewer students were present on campus. However, as students return to campus, it remains crucial for the university to continue prioritizing safety and support for its community members.

Overall, while the downward trend in crime rates is encouraging, continued vigilance and proactive measures are necessary to maintain and enhance campus safety for all students. For further information on calculating crime rates, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

All 58

Notable alumni of California State University-Northridge include Eva Longoria (Actress, producer and businesswoman), Eva Mendes (Actress and model) and Alyson Hannigan (Actress and television presenter).

See all 58 notable alumni of California State University-Northridge →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.