California State University, Northridge (CSUN) – Campus, Programs & Admissions Overview

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), located in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, is one of the largest and most diverse public universities in the U.S., serving over 36,000 students. Founded in 1958 and renamed in 1972, CSUN has grown into a 353-acre campus with 91 facilities and nine academic colleges offering 149 undergraduate and 105 graduate programs.

It is known for its accessibility (92% acceptance rate), large first-generation student population (69%), and commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The university supports robust research initiatives, including biomedical and environmental partnerships, and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Matadors.

California State University, Northridge: A Comprehensive Overview

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), located in the vibrant San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, stands as one of the largest and most diverse public universities in the nation. Founded in 1958, CSUN has grown significantly, evolving from San Fernando Valley State College to its current identity in 1972. It is a cornerstone of education and community engagement in Southern California, serving a vast and varied student body.

History and Evolution

CSUN’s journey began in Fall 1956 as the San Fernando Valley campus of the Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences. By July 1, 1958, it officially separated and was renamed San Fernando Valley State College. The campus, initially 165 acres, has expanded to a sprawling 353 acres with 91 facilities.

Its transformation into California State University, Northridge, in 1972, marked a new era of growth and a solidified regional and national identity. Over the decades, CSUN has adapted to societal changes, including student activism in the Vietnam War era and efforts to increase minority representation in the late 1960s.

Campus and Facilities

The 353-acre campus in Northridge, California, is home to 91 facilities, totaling over 7.3 million gross square feet. It’s a comprehensive environment designed to support a thriving academic and student life. The average age of facilities is around 27.1 years, reflecting ongoing development and modernization.

Key services on campus include grounds and custodial, engineering services, asset management, and facilities planning. CSUN is committed to sustainability, with initiatives focused on water conservation, urban greening, and campus food production through programs like “Campus as a Living Lab.”

Student Body and Demographics

CSUN boasts a substantial and incredibly diverse student population. For Fall 2024, the total student enrollment was approximately 36,368. A significant proportion of CSUN students are first-generation college students, with 69% falling into this category in Fall 2024.

Student Demographics (Fall 2024 data unless otherwise specified):

• Total Enrollment: Approximately 36,368 (Fall 2023: 36,368)
• Gender: 19,623 Women, 17,063 Men, 162 Nonbinary.
• Average Student Age: 23.5 years.
• Ethnicity (Fall 2024):
  • Latino/a: 56.3%
  • White: 18.9%
  • Asian American/Pacific Islander: 8.8%
  • African American: 5.3%
  • Multi-ethnic: 3.2%
• International Students: Approximately 3% of total enrollment (Fall 2024 undergraduate international enrollments stood at 950, and 697 graduate international students were admitted in 2024).

Admissions and Acceptance

CSUN maintains a relatively high acceptance rate, making it an accessible institution for many aspiring students. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the acceptance rate was 92.48%, admitting 30,842 out of 33,350 applicants. This suggests lenient admission criteria.

The yield rate, or the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll, was 18% in 2024-2025. While a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally recommended, strong applications often benefit from extracurricular activities and a good class rank.

English Language Requirements for International Students (Minimum Scores):

• IELTS: 6.0 (UG), 6.5 (PG)
• TOEFL: 61 (UG), 79 (PG)
• PTE: 50 (UG), 58 (PG)
• Duolingo: 95 (UG), 105 (PG)

Academic Programs and Colleges

CSUN offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across its nine colleges, providing diverse educational opportunities.

Colleges:

• Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication
• David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
• Michael D. Eisner College of Education
• College of Engineering and Computer Science
• College of Health & Human Development
• College of Humanities
• College of Science & Mathematics
• College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
• Tseng College: Graduate, International and Midcareer Education

The university offers 149 baccalaureate degrees, 105 master’s degree programs, and 3 professional doctorate degrees, along with 26 teaching credential programs.

Most Popular Majors (among others):

• Psychology
• Business Administration and Management (General)
• Radio and Television
• Computer Science
• Education
• Art
• Engineering
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Biology
• Communications
• Hospitality and Tourism Management

Research and Innovation

CSUN is actively involved in various research initiatives, often in collaboration with external partners, to address real-world challenges and advance knowledge. Recent collaborations include a partnership with the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) to provide advanced hands-on laboratory experience to CSUN Biology graduate students in areas such as biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Other research focuses on environmental sustainability, with projects like the NASA-JPL & CSUN College of Education partnership to empower educators on planetary health, and collaborations with the Metropolitan Water District on irrigation water conservation research.

Athletics

The CSUN Matadors represent California State University, Northridge in NCAA Division I athletics. They are primarily members of the Big West Conference, with men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams competing in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. CSUN fields 19 NCAA Division I sports, with approximately 350 student-athletes participating.

Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball. Women’s Sports: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo.

The Matadors have a rich athletic history, with notable achievements including two NCAA Division II national championships in baseball (1970, 1984) and four in softball (1983, 1984, 1985, 1987).

Community Involvement and Partnerships

Community engagement is a core value at CSUN. The Office of Community Engagement facilitates community-based learning, co-curricular activities, and community-based research, fostering equitable and reciprocal partnerships.

CSUN collaborates with various community partners across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area to address community needs, mobilize resources, and influence policies and programs. This commitment is designed to enrich scholarship, enhance the curriculum, and prepare students to be civically minded learners and leaders.

FAQs about California State University, Northridge

What is California State University, Northridge (CSUN) known for?
CSUN is known for its diversity, accessible admissions, strong academic programs across nine colleges, community engagement, and robust research and athletics.

Where is CSUN located?
CSUN is located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California.

When was CSUN founded?
CSUN was officially established in 1958, originally as San Fernando Valley State College, and adopted its current name in 1972.

How big is the CSUN campus?
The campus spans 353 acres and includes 91 facilities, offering a full range of academic, residential, and recreational spaces.

How many students attend CSUN?
As of Fall 2024, CSUN has approximately 36,368 students enrolled.

What is the demographic makeup of CSUN students?
The student body is 56.3% Latino/a, 18.9% White, 8.8% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 5.3% African American, and 3% international students.

What percentage of students are first-generation college students?
About 69% of CSUN students are first-generation college attendees.

What is the acceptance rate at CSUN?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, CSUN had an acceptance rate of 92.48%.

What GPA is required to get into CSUN?
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally recommended, though CSUN uses a comprehensive review process.

What are the most popular majors at CSUN?
Popular majors include Psychology, Business Administration, Communications, Computer Science, Education, Biology, and Art.

What types of degrees does CSUN offer?
CSUN offers 149 bachelor’s degrees, 105 master’s programs, 3 professional doctorates, and 26 teaching credential programs.

How many colleges are within CSUN?
There are nine colleges including the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering, Arts, Science, Humanities, Health & Human Development, Social Sciences, and the Tseng College for graduate and international programs.

Is CSUN a research university?
Yes, CSUN is involved in various research initiatives, often in partnership with institutions like the Terasaki Institute and NASA-JPL.

Does CSUN have programs for international students?
Yes, CSUN has undergraduate and graduate programs for international students and accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo scores.

What are the English language requirements for international students at CSUN?
Minimum scores: IELTS – 6.0 (UG), 6.5 (PG); TOEFL – 61 (UG), 79 (PG); PTE – 50 (UG), 58 (PG); Duolingo – 95 (UG), 105 (PG).

What is the average age of a CSUN student?
The average student age is approximately 23.5 years.

Does CSUN offer online or hybrid courses?
Yes, CSUN provides various online and hybrid options through its Tseng College and regular academic departments.

What athletic programs does CSUN offer?
CSUN competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 19 men’s and women’s teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and more.

What conference does CSUN compete in?
Most CSUN athletic teams are part of the Big West Conference; indoor track and field teams compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

Has CSUN won any national championships?
Yes, CSUN has won NCAA Division II titles in baseball (1970, 1984) and softball (1983, 1984, 1985, 1987).

What kind of community engagement does CSUN support?
CSUN emphasizes community-based learning, research, and partnerships with local organizations to support civic engagement and regional development.

Is CSUN committed to sustainability?
Yes, CSUN has initiatives like water conservation, urban greening, and a “Campus as a Living Lab” program focused on food production and ecological awareness.

What is the yield rate for CSUN?
The yield rate for 2024-2025 was 18%, meaning 18% of admitted students chose to enroll.

Does CSUN have on-campus housing?
Yes, CSUN offers on-campus housing for students with a variety of residential options and amenities.

What student services are available at CSUN?
CSUN provides academic advising, mental health services, career counseling, tutoring, disability resources, and student clubs and organizations.

How can I apply to CSUN?
You can apply through the Cal State Apply platform during the designated application window and must meet GPA and admission requirements.

What is the application deadline for CSUN?
Deadlines vary by term and program, but most fall between October and January for fall admission.

Are scholarships or financial aid available at CSUN?
Yes, CSUN offers a range of financial aid, including federal and state aid, scholarships, and grants for eligible students.