California State University, Northridge

Overview

Acronyms: CSUN

Founded: 1958

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #2207

Rank in United States: #282

Motto: Vox Veritas Vita

Colours: Red, black and white

Mascot: Matty the Matador

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Established in 1958, the California State University, Northridge is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Northridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 66-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

CSUN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

California State University, Northridge's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.

Academic Details

California State University, Northridge's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.

Academic Structures

California State University, Northridge's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Programs Offered

California State University, Northridge's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

How to apply to California State University, Northridge

Below is a five-step path through the application process at California State University, Northridge, useful for first-time applicants and international students.

1. 1
   Research programmes at California State University, Northridge

   California State University, Northridge's catalogue includes 157 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

2. 2
   Review admissions criteria

   Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for California State University, Northridge's admissions process.

3. 3
   Gather supporting documents

   Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

4. 4
   Lodge your application

   Submit your completed application through California State University, Northridge's official website at www.csun.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

5. 5
   Confirm receipt and track progress

   Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (818) 677 1200. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about California State University, Northridge

Common questions students ask about California State University, Northridge — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including California State University, Northridge may still partner with strong employers locally.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Beyond California State University, Northridge, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.

CA

California Southern University

Irvine · Rank #82

Antioch University Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara · Private · Rank #223

University of California, Merced

Merced · Public · Rank #619

CA

California Northstate University

Elk Grove · Private-for-profit · Rank #1794

California State University, Bakersfield

Bakersfield · Public · Rank #1926

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Capstone projects versus dissertation requirements differ across Education & Teaching programmes. The output type (project, thesis, portfolio) affects what you can show graduate schools or employers afterward.

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

Universities Often Compared with California State University, Northridge

Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to California State University, Northridge. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.

California State University, Fullerton

Fullerton · Public · Rank #2180

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale · Private · Rank #2180

The University of Memphis

Memphis · Public · Rank #2235

University of South Dakota

Vermillion · Public · Rank #2168

Texas State University System

Austin · Public · Rank #2154