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California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About California State University-Northridge

CSUN: A vibrant public university, driving economic impact and academic innovation in Los Angeles.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) stands as a dynamic public university nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, California. As the fourth largest university within the esteemed California State University system, CSUN educates a remarkable 36,960 students and makes an estimated $1.9 billion annual economic impact on the California economy, cementing its role as a crucial engine for regional development and intellectual growth.

The university's rich history began in 1952 as a proposed satellite campus of Los Angeles State College. It quickly gained independence, establishing itself in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College, where significant campus master planning and construction took place. In 1972, it officially adopted its current identity as California State University, Northridge. Despite facing a monumental challenge with the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which caused an unprecedented $400 million in campus damage, CSUN demonstrated resilience, rebuilding and emerging stronger.

Today, CSUN is recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, providing 134 different bachelor's and master's degree programs across 70 fields, complemented by four doctoral degrees. It is classified among "Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs." The university is also a designated Hispanic-serving institution and is home to the acclaimed National Center on Deafness, further hosting the annual International Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, known as the CSUN Conference. This blend of academic breadth, specialized expertise, and a commitment to diverse student success defines the Northridge experience.

Key Highlights

  • Serves as the fourth largest university in the California State University system, with 36,960 students (Fall 2025).
  • Generates an estimated $1.9 billion in economic output for the California economy on a yearly basis.
  • Offers 134 bachelor's and master's degree programs across 70 fields, along with four doctoral degrees.
  • Established in 1958, evolving from a satellite campus to an independent institution.
  • Home to the prestigious National Center on Deafness and hosts the influential CSUN Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities.
  • Recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.
  • Manages an endowment of $262.1 million (2025) and operates on an expansive 356-acre campus.

Timeline

1952
Proposal for a satellite campus of Los Angeles State College in the San Fernando Valley.
1955
Classes officially began in 10 leased classrooms at San Fernando High School.
1956
Official groundbreaking ceremony for the new campus on January 4th.
1958
Became an independent college as San Fernando Valley State College.
1972
Adopted its current name, California State University, Northridge.
1994
Sustained $400 million in damage from the Northridge earthquake, the heaviest ever for an American college campus.

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