The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) vs California State University-Northridge (CSUN)

Envision yourself pursuing higher education at either The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) or California State University-Northridge (CSUN). Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal growth. However, there are some key differences between these two institutions that may influence your decision. UTRGV boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. CSUN, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, student body demographics, and additional factors that can help you determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	California State University-Northridge	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Overview
Location	Northridge, California	Edinburg, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	82.0%	72.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	93.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	$50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	23,656	14,386
Total number of admissions given out	20,842	13,508
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,716	5,439
Yield rate	22.6%	40.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $31,857 Out of state: $43,737	In state: $23,563 Out of state: $33,355
Average net price	$8,708	$6,244
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $7,857 Out of state: $17,649
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,316 Meal plan: $4,506	Room/dormitory: $4,240 Meal plan: $3,368
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	82.0% Average amount $10,882	98.0% Average amount $8,702
Students receiving federal student loan	14.0% Average amount $4,779	19.0% Average amount $3,752
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $12,360	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,496 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%	26,405 Men 40.7% Women 59.3%
Graduate students	5,612 Men 33.0% Women 67.0%	5,535 Men 35.4% Women 64.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	1.7%	N/A
International students	6.0%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	4,029	1,049
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Hawaii Nevada Texas	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	26:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	54.2%	51.1%
Dropout rate	33.7%	23.2%
Transferred out	5.6%	17.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $108,158 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,831 Year 2: $92,124 Year 3: $98,535 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,745 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $97,852 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,455 Year 2: $88,907 Year 3: $96,626 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,863 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $92,559 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $80,493 Year 3: $92,252 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,281 Year 2: $83,669 Year 3: $89,964 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,782 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $84,221 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,859 Year 2: $73,070 Year 3: $82,977 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,180 Year 2: $76,863 Year 3: $82,194	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,380 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $116,099 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,041 Year 2: $109,235 Year 3: $108,882 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,185 Year 2: $55,693 Year 3: $70,393 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,833 Year 2: $61,334 Year 3: $66,863 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,430 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $63,962 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,464 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $62,120 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,567 Year 2: $52,464 Year 3: $60,844 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,240 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $60,219 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $60,013 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,391 Year 2: $55,151 Year 3: $59,030

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between UTRGV and CSUN?

UTRGV is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, offering a more rural and regional experience with multiple campuses. CSUN is situated in Northridge, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, providing access to a major metropolitan area and a more diverse, urban environment. CSUN's campus is generally considered more established and traditional in its architecture, while UTRGV's campuses are newer and reflect the growth of the institution.
How do the tuition and cost of living compare at UTRGV and CSUN?

Generally, UTRGV offers a significantly lower tuition cost compared to CSUN, especially for in-state students. The cost of living in the Rio Grande Valley is also considerably lower than in the Los Angeles area. This means that students at UTRGV often have lower overall expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, than those at CSUN.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at UTRGV?

UTRGV excels in programs that serve the needs of the Rio Grande Valley, including healthcare, education, and business. It also has strong programs in engineering and computer science. The university is known for its commitment to serving a diverse student population and providing opportunities for first-generation college students. UTRGV is also growing its research profile, particularly in areas relevant to the region.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at CSUN?

CSUN is well-regarded for its programs in the arts, media, and communication, as well as its strong offerings in business, engineering, and health sciences. CSUN benefits from its proximity to Los Angeles, providing students with internship and career opportunities in various industries. The university also has a robust research presence and a wide range of academic departments.
How does the student body diversity compare at UTRGV and CSUN?

Both universities are known for their diverse student bodies. UTRGV has a student population that is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the Rio Grande Valley. CSUN also has a highly diverse student body, representing a wide range of ethnicities, backgrounds, and perspectives, reflecting the diversity of the Los Angeles area.
What are the opportunities for student life and extracurricular activities at UTRGV?

UTRGV offers a growing range of student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports. The university is actively expanding its campus life offerings. Students can also take advantage of the unique cultural experiences and outdoor activities available in the Rio Grande Valley, such as exploring the Gulf Coast and the border region.
What are the opportunities for student life and extracurricular activities at CSUN?

CSUN provides a wide array of extracurricular activities, including a large number of student organizations, Greek life, and Division I athletics. Students have access to numerous cultural events, concerts, and entertainment options in the Los Angeles area. The campus is also known for its vibrant arts scene and its strong student government.
How do the career services and internship opportunities differ between UTRGV and CSUN?

CSUN, due to its location in Los Angeles, offers a greater number of internship and career opportunities, particularly in fields like entertainment, media, and technology. UTRGV provides career services focused on the regional job market, with strong connections to healthcare, education, and business in the Rio Grande Valley. Both universities offer career counseling, job fairs, and networking events to support students in their career development.
What is the research environment like at UTRGV?

UTRGV is actively building its research infrastructure and capacity. The university is focused on research that addresses regional needs and challenges, with growing opportunities in areas like health, environmental science, and engineering. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects with faculty.
What is the research environment like at CSUN?

CSUN has a well-established research environment with numerous research centers and institutes. Students have ample opportunities to participate in research projects across various disciplines. The university benefits from its location near major research institutions and its strong faculty research profiles.
Which university is better for students seeking a more affordable education?

UTRGV is generally the more affordable option, with lower tuition costs and a lower cost of living compared to CSUN. This makes UTRGV an excellent choice for students seeking to minimize their educational expenses.
Which university is better for students seeking a wider range of career opportunities?

CSUN, due to its location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, offers a broader range of career opportunities, particularly in fields like entertainment, media, and technology. However, UTRGV provides strong career prospects within the Rio Grande Valley, especially in healthcare, education, and business.

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