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Private for-profit, 4-year

California Northstate University

Elk Grove, California · www.cnsu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

92.5%

2025

Tuition per year

$61,600

$89,752 with room and board

Undergraduates

37

Student-faculty ratio 3:1

Graduation rate

100.0%

4-year; 6-year rate 79.2%

About

California Northstate University (CNU) is a private university located in Elk Grove, California, primarily known for its focus on health sciences and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in healthcare. Established in 2015, CNU has quickly become a prominent institution in the region, offering a variety of programs, including Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Medicine, and Master of Public Health degrees. The university prides itself on its rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on clinical training, which equip students with essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare field. The campus environment fosters collaboration and innovation, offering state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories and simulation centers that provide students with practical experience.

The university's mission is complemented by a strong commitment to community service and public health initiatives. CNU encourages students to engage in volunteer work and community outreach programs, which not only enhance their learning experience but also promote social responsibility. The culture at California Northstate University emphasizes diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect, creating a supportive environment for students from various backgrounds. With a focus on producing competent healthcare professionals, CNU has established strong partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, facilitating internships and job placements for graduates. As a result, many alumni have successfully transitioned into rewarding careers in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, contributing positively to the healthcare landscape in California and beyond.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at California Northstate University

California Northstate University, a private institution, has shown significant trends in tuition fees, student retention, and gender ratios among its student body. The tuition fees for undergraduate students have seen a notable increase from $47,394 in 2022 to $56,137 in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 18.5%. This rising cost of education is becoming a critical concern for potential students and their families, especially in the context of increasing student debt levels across the country.

In terms of student retention, the university reported a remarkable retention rate of 97.1% for undergraduates in 2022, which improved to an impressive 100% in 2023. Such high retention rates are indicative of student satisfaction and effective support systems within the university, suggesting that students are engaged and feel supported throughout their studies. This metric is essential as it reflects not only academic success but also the overall university experience.

Gender ratios among students have also revealed interesting dynamics. In 2022, the distribution of undergraduate students was approximately 48% male and 52% female. This slightly shifted in 2023 to about 43% male and 57% female, indicating a growing female presence in the undergraduate population. The graduate student gender ratio remained relatively constant, with males comprising about 45% and females 55%. These trends could suggest a shift in academic interests or the effectiveness of outreach programs aimed at encouraging female enrollment in certain fields.

Overall, California Northstate University is experiencing a period of growth and adaptation, characterized by rising tuition costs, high retention rates, and evolving gender demographics. As higher education continues to face scrutiny over affordability and accessibility, these metrics will be crucial in shaping the university's strategies and policies moving forward.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Sacramento, about 10 mi
Nearest international airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF), about 20 mi
Elk Grove, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Alvin Cheung (President/CEO)
Phone
9166867300
City
Elk Grove, California
Address
9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757-3001

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
90.3%
Women
93.5%

In 2022: men 94.5%, women 96.1%.

Data insights

Analysis of California Northstate University's Admission Trends

The admission data for California Northstate University reveals interesting trends in their acceptance rates and overall enrollment figures over the past couple of years. In 2022, the university had a high acceptance rate for both male and female applicants, with approximately 94.5% for males and around 96% for females. This indicates a relatively inclusive approach towards admissions, which could potentially attract a diverse student body.
However, the following year, 2023, showed a slight decrease in overall enrollment numbers, with only 19 students admitted compared to 31 in 2022. The male acceptance rate remained high at about 98.4%, while the female acceptance rate dropped to approximately 92.8%. This shift may reflect a more selective admissions process or a response to external factors, such as changing demographics or increased competition from other institutions.
The data also highlights the number of students who were denied admission and those who deferred their enrollment. In 2022, 15 candidates were denied admission, while a significant number, 286, chose to defer their enrollment. Meanwhile, in 2023, 10 applicants were denied, and 160 deferred. This suggests that a notable portion of students may be considering delaying their entry into college, possibly due to ongoing concerns about the pandemic, financial constraints, or the desire for a gap year.
Overall, while California Northstate University maintains a welcoming stance in terms of admissions, the data suggests an evolving landscape that may require continuous adaptation to meet the needs and preferences of 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

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty1 programs—

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

Analysis of Admission Data at California Northstate University

The admission data from California Northstate University presents a unique challenge due to the absence of specific SAT and ACT score metrics from 2007 to 2023. This lack of detailed information raises questions about the university's admission process and its potential changes over the years.

In recent years, many universities have adopted test-optional policies, prompting a significant shift in how admissions are evaluated. This trend could lead to a more holistic approach, focusing on other critical aspects of a student's application, such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. However, the absence of submission numbers and percentage data for SAT and ACT scores suggests that California Northstate University may have shifted its focus away from standardized testing, aligning with broader trends in higher education.

Moreover, the lack of data could indicate potential challenges in transparency and accountability. Stakeholders, including prospective students and their families, rely on accessible data to make informed decisions about their educational paths. The absence of performance metrics may hinder students from understanding the competitive landscape of admissions.

In conclusion, while the absence of detailed admission data may reflect evolving trends in university admissions, it raises important considerations regarding transparency and the criteria used to evaluate applicants. As the university navigates these changes, it may benefit from providing clearer insights into its admission strategies and the factors influencing student selection.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

93 applicants in 2025, 92.5% admitted

86 admitted 7 not admitted Yield 5.8%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's231 international (4.3%)
Master's322 international (6.3%)
Doctoral22112 international (5.4%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
23

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Medicine · Doctoral111 (2% international)
  • Pharmacy · Doctoral72 (14% international)
  • Dentistry · Doctoral35 (0% international)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences · Master's23 (4% international)
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's9 (11% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Doctoral3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at California Northstate University

The graduation data from California Northstate University reveals significant trends in various medical and health-related fields. Notably, the Doctorate programs, particularly in Pharmacy and Medicine, have produced a substantial number of graduates, with 106 and 97 individuals, respectively. This demonstrates a strong emphasis on advanced education within these disciplines, likely reflecting the growing demand for highly qualified professionals in the healthcare sector.

Interestingly, while the Doctorate programs show robust numbers, there is a stark absence of graduates in the Bachelor's and Master's programs across many disciplines. For instance, the Bachelor's programs have zero graduates in Pharmacy, Medicine, and Dentistry, which raises questions about student pathways and the potential need for a more integrated approach to undergraduate education in these fields. This lack of Bachelor's graduates may suggest that students are either entering directly into Doctorate programs or that there is a gap in attracting undergraduate students to these disciplines.

Furthermore, the data highlights the presence of international students, particularly in Doctorate programs, where four international graduates were noted in Pharmacy. This indicates a potential international appeal and the university's capacity to attract diverse talent, which is crucial in fostering a globally competent workforce in health sciences.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of Doctorate education in California Northstate University's health-related programs while also indicating areas for improvement in undergraduate enrollment strategies. Addressing these gaps could enhance the university's educational offerings and align them more closely with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

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

Health professionshas 273 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Dentistry.-
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Medicine.-
Pharmacy.-
Pharmaceutical Sciences.-
Psychology has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Clinical Psychology.-

Students

981 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 85.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (37)

Asian
19 · 51.4%
White
7 · 18.9%
Unknown
5 · 13.5%
Black
3 · 8.1%
International
1 · 2.7%
Hispanic
1 · 2.7%
Two or more races
1 · 2.7%

Data insights

Demographic Insights at California Northstate University

The 2023 student demographic data from California Northstate University presents a diverse picture of its population. The data reveals that the university has a total of 1,162 students spanning across various categories: undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate sophomores, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students. Notably, the graduate student body is the largest, comprising 816 individuals, indicating a strong emphasis on advanced education at the institution.

Gender distribution across these categories shows a slight female majority, with females making up approximately 55.3% of the overall student body. The undergraduate freshmen and sophomores exhibit similar patterns, with females at 52.6% and 56.9% respectively. This trend reflects a broader national phenomenon where female enrollment in higher education continues to rise, often surpassing male enrollment.

The racial and ethnic breakdown, while not fully detailed, indicates a small representation of white students among the freshmen, with only one reported. This suggests an opportunity for California Northstate University to enhance its recruitment and retention strategies to attract a more diverse population, aligning with trends in other institutions that aim for inclusivity.

Furthermore, the data implies a potential area for growth in engaging male students, particularly in the undergraduate categories where the male-to-female ratios are lower than the university average. Overall, California Northstate University appears to be fostering a diverse and predominantly female student environment, which is crucial for a well-rounded educational experience.

Age Distribution Among Students at California Northstate University

The age distribution data from California Northstate University reveals notable trends in the demographics of its student body. The largest cohort of male undergraduate students falls within the 20-21 age range, with 47 individuals, while the highest number of female undergraduates is found in the same age category, totaling 57. This suggests a strong influx of traditional college-aged students, which aligns with national trends where universities often attract younger populations immediately following high school graduation.

Interestingly, the graduate male student group is predominantly represented by those aged 25-29, numbering 210. This could reflect a growing trend of older individuals pursuing advanced degrees, possibly due to a shift in job market demands or the desire for career advancement. The significant number of graduate female students in the same age bracket, totaling 246, further underscores this trend.

Moreover, the data indicates a decrease in student numbers as age increases past 30, with very few students in the 35-39 and 40-49 age groups. This trend may reflect the challenges faced by older students, such as balancing education with professional and family responsibilities.

Overall, the age composition at California Northstate University highlights the institution's appeal to both traditional and non-traditional students, although it remains clear that younger students dominate the undergraduate population. The insights from this data can aid in shaping programs and support services tailored to the diverse needs of students across different age groups.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years

Undergraduates2.7%

1 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2022

0% 5% 10% 2022: 0.0%2023: 0.7%2024: 0.0%2025: 2.7%
20222025
Graduate students3.7%

35 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2022

0% 5% 10% 2022: 0.0%2023: 1.1%2024: 0.0%2025: 3.7%
20222025

Data insights

International Student Presence at California Northstate University in 2023

In 2023, California Northstate University reported a total of 146 undergraduate students, with only 1 international student, which translates to approximately 0.68% of the undergraduate population. This low percentage highlights a significant gap in the university's appeal to international students compared to many other institutions in the United States, which often have much larger international student bodies.

Similarly, the graduate program, with a total of 816 students, includes just 9 international students, making up about 1.1% of the graduate population. This also indicates a relatively low level of international enrollment. The statistics suggest that while the university may provide quality education, it may not be actively attracting international students, which could be a missed opportunity, especially given the increasing global competition among universities to attract a diverse student body.

International students contribute not only to the cultural diversity of campuses but also to the financial health of universities through tuition fees and living expenses. The current figures from California Northstate University may prompt discussions on how to enhance their recruitment strategies to appeal to a broader international audience. As universities worldwide are striving to increase their global footprint, it remains crucial for California Northstate University to reassess its positioning and outreach efforts in the international education market.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$89,752

Undergraduate tuition
$61,600
Room and board
$28,152
Graduate tuition
$34,893
Tuition and room and board over time

Tuition rose 30% from 2022 to 2025; room and board rose 7%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$97.5M

Tuition and fees
$58.5M60.0%
Investment return
$4.8M4.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.8M1.9%
Other
$32.4M33.2%

Expenses$96.1M

Institutional support
$38.3M39.8%
Instruction
$25.0M26.0%
Student services
$1.2M1.2%
Academic support
$722K0.8%
Research
$563K0.6%
Other
$30.4M31.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

All faculty
$104,272
Professor
$205,000
Associate professor
$113,023
Assistant professor
$82,729
Lecturer
$56,250

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near California Northstate University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford University is a prestigious private research university located in Stanford, California. It is renowned for its academic excellence, research programs, and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a ranking of 15, UC Berkeley is a leading public research university known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is a highly regarded public university located in the heart of Los Angeles. It is known for its strong emphasis on research, arts, and athletics.

  4. University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th, UC Davis is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and agriculture, along with its strong programs in veterinary medicine and environmental science.

  5. University of Southern California - USC, ranked 28th, is a private research university known for its strong programs in film, business, and engineering. It has a vibrant campus culture and a strong alumni network.

  6. California Institute of Technology - Caltech, ranked 7th, is a private research university that specializes in science and engineering. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and research contributions.

These institutions are known for their academic rigor and diverse programs, making them excellent choices for students seeking higher education in California.

Data insights

Crime Data at California Northstate University: A Positive Overview

The crime data from California Northstate University from 2013 to 2023 presents an exceptionally positive outlook regarding campus safety. Throughout this entire period, the university has reported a total absence of crimes, with zero incidents recorded for each year. This is a commendable achievement for the institution, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its students and staff.

In particular, the absence of arrests related to gun possession, drug offenses, alcohol-related incidents, domestic violence, stalking, and other serious crimes indicates effective preventative measures and community engagement. It suggests that both the campus administration and local law enforcement have successfully worked together to create a culture of safety. This can be particularly important for prospective students and their families, as safety is often a top concern when choosing an educational institution.

Moreover, the trend of maintaining a crime-free environment aligns with broader national trends, where many universities are increasingly focusing on mental health resources and community support to reduce crime rates. With the growing awareness of the importance of campus safety, California Northstate University sets a remarkable standard for maintaining a secure and welcoming campus.

Such positive statistics could serve as a model for other institutions aiming to improve their campus safety measures. For anyone interested in understanding how these crime rates are calculated, further information can be found at: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

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.