Western Governors University vs California State University-Northridge

Salt Lake City, UT — Northridge, CA

Metric
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA
Location Salt Lake City, UT Northridge, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 155,088 32,691
Acceptance Rate 93.5%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $8,658 $7,458
Out-of-State Tuition $8,658 $20,058
Avg Net Price $12,548 $7,021
Median Debt at Graduation $11,116 $13,872
4-Year Graduation Rate 48.1% 56.5%
Retention Rate 64.6% 73.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $69,572 $44,372
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,615 $59,115
Loan Repayment Rate 1728000.0% 999500.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
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California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Western Governors University and California State University-Northridge compare?
Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) has no published acceptance rate, in-state tuition of $8,658, and median 10-year earnings of $60,615. California State University-Northridge (Northridge, CA) has an acceptance rate of 93.5%, in-state tuition of $7,458, and median 10-year earnings of $59,115.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Western Governors University or California State University-Northridge?
Western Governors University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $60,615 vs $59,115. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Western Governors University or California State University-Northridge?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Northridge is the more affordable option at $7,021 per year versus $12,548.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California State University-Northridge has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 56.5% vs 48.1%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025