Cost and Financial Aid
CSUN is Affordable
When comparing tuition and costs at various colleges and universities, you’ll see that CSUN is a better value for your dollar.
Annual expenses for California residents who live on campus:
| Annual Expenses | CSUN | University of California | Local Private University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition and fees (based on a 12-unit course load/semester) |
$7,458 |
$15,154 |
$69,904 |
|
Books and supplies |
$1,338 |
$1,641 |
$1,200 |
|
Room and board |
$13,804 |
$18,369 |
$19,931 |
|
Transportation and personal expenditures |
$3,390 |
$3,004 |
$2,447 |
|
TOTAL |
$25,990 |
$38,168 |
$93,482 |
Annual expenses for out-of-state students who live on campus:
| Annual Expenses | CSUN |
|---|---|
|
Tuition and fees (based on a 12-unit course load/semester) |
$17,538* |
|
Books and supplies |
$1,338 |
|
Housing and food |
$13,804 |
|
Transportation and personal expenditures |
$3,390 |
|
TOTAL |
$36,070 |
*Out-of-state students pay basic tuition and fees plus $420 per unit, included.
Through the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, students in select states and U.S. territories can attend CSUN at a savings of nearly 50% compared to traditional out-of-state tuition.
Annual expenses for international students who live on campus:
| Expenses | Undergraduate: 24 units/Two Semesters | Graduate: 18 Units/Two Semesters |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition* |
$17,538 |
$16,542 |
|
Living expenses** |
$18,304 |
$19,300 |
|
Health insurance (12-months) |
$2,158 |
$2,158 |
|
TOTAL |
$38,000 |
$38,000 |
*International students pay basic tuition and fees plus a nonresident fee of $420 per unit. (Some graduate programs have an additional fee per unit.)
**Includes housing, food, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation and other personal/miscellaneous expenses.
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*Costs shown are before available financial aid.
Note: California State University makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028-66028.6 of the Education Code).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
We can help you pay for college! At CSUN, 88% of our students receive financial aid. Of those, more than half receive enough aid to cover 100% of their tuition and fees. Last year, CSUN awarded nearly $400 million in financial aid.
Federal and State Aid
Federal aid, state aid and scholarship funding are available for freshmen and transfer students. If you’re an international student, you’ll qualify for select scholarships beginning your second semester at CSUN.
Freshmen and transfer students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the March 2 priority deadline. If you qualify as an AB 540 student, you’ll apply for state aid through the California DREAM Act using the California Dream Act Application — also by March 2.
Learn More About Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college. Scholarships are awarded by CSUN, the University Foundation and by individual colleges and departments.
Awards range from $500 to $10,000. Requirements vary, and competition is often limited. It’s worth it to take the initiative and apply. Plus, scholarships look great on your resume.
Last year CSUN students received more than $14 million in scholarship funds. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to receive money to help pay for college.
Learn more about scholarships at CSUN
Scholarships for Freshmen
and Transfer Students Scholarships for
International Students
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