California State University, Northridge SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At CSUN, a higher SAT or ACT score will not help your application because the campus is test-free. Put your energy into grades, course choices, and activities, with a 3.33 average entering GPA giving you a practical benchmark to aim above.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University, Northridge facts and stats
California State University, Northridge enrolls 32,499 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. CSUN has a 73% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 25:1. CSUN uses a test-free admissions policy.
Northridge, CA
How does your GPA compare at CSUN?

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Key California State University, Northridge application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
May 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
CSUN is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission, including for the May 15 Regular Decision deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
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What you'll actually pay
CSUN is a public university in the Big West with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $18,684. About 73% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 2.

CSUN’s out-of-state tuition is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084; room and board adds $20,306. About 73% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $13,692. Merit awards average $2,085, so many students’ actual costs will depend heavily on need-based aid and housing choices.
Student life at California State University, Northridge
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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