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Side-by-side

California State University-Northridge vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins

The numbers that actually decide it — net price after aid, how hard each is to get into, and how many students finish — compared straight across. Net price beats sticker price every time.

Similar selectivity (94% vs 89%) but out-of-state cost runs $20k — meaningfully less than $35k.

California State University-NorthridgeColorado State University-Fort Collins
Acceptance rate94%89%
Net price (in-state)

what the average family actually pays after aid

$7,458$13,373
Net price (out-of-state)$20,058$34,783
Sticker tuition (in-state)$7,458$13,373
Sticker tuition (out-of-state)$20,058$34,783
Graduation rate57%67%
Total enrollment32,69125,538

Net price = sticker price minus the average grant aid for that school (IPEDS / Dept. of Education data). Real numbers vary by family income and student stats — verify each school's own Net Price Calculator before committing. Canonical: /compare/california-state-university-northridge-vs-colorado-state-university-fort-collins.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.