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California Northstate University and Design Institute of San Diego are both private for-profit institutions — California Northstate University in Elk Grove, CA and Design Institute of San Diego in San Diego, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Elk Grove, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 92.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 37
Tuition: $57,463/year
Student-faculty ratio: 3.0:1
Graduation rate: 100.0%
Top programs: Health professions
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Elk Grove, CA with published program strength in Health professions.
San Diego, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 100.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 77
Tuition: $29,300/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 80.0%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in San Diego, CA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts.
| Factor | California Northstate University | Design Institute of San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 92.5% | 100.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 37 | 77 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $57,463/year | $29,300/year |
| Average net price after aid | Not reported | $44,010 |
| Graduation rate | 100.0% | 80.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | Not reported | $46,920 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 3.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private for-profit | Private for-profit |
| Location | Elk Grove, CA | San Diego, CA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions | Visual and performing arts |
California Northstate University is more selective (92.5% vs 100.0% acceptance rate). California Northstate University reports the higher graduation rate (100.0% vs 80.0%). Design Institute of San Diego is the larger undergraduate campus (77 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California Northstate University and Design Institute of San Diego
California Northstate University has an acceptance rate of 92.5%; Design Institute of San Diego is around 100.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California Northstate University tuition is $57,463/year. Design Institute of San Diego is $29,300/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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