California State University - Northridge

Situated on a 356-acre urban campus in the heart of Los Angeles' Northridge neighborhood within the world-famous San Fernando Valley, California State University – Northridge is the third largest comprehensive public institution in the state university system with a total enrollment of over 38,000 students. Consistently recognized in the top 25 of master's universities based on the size of its large foreign student population, CSUN is currently ranked as the 60th best college and 19th top public school in the West by the U.S. News and World Report.

Since being established in 1952 as the Los Angeles State College in Baldwin Hills, Cal State Northridge has grown into a major regional institution with the second highest number of students who later earn doctoral degrees in the United States. Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), CSUN offers 134 bachelor's degree, 70 master's degree, three doctoral, and 24 teaching certification programs. Among the most popular majors are accounting, music, computer science, cinema, Chicano studies, television, and business.

Along with more than 200 recognized student organizations, Cal State Northridge is home to 20 fraternities and seven sororities for vibrant Greek life. Furthermore, the CSUN Matadors field 16 varsity sports teams for intercollegiate competition in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference. Some of the most notable former Matadors include entertainer Paula Abdul, musician Mark Balderas, filmmaker Joan Chen, actor Morris Chestnut, actor Richard Dreyfuss, actress Jenna Elfman, actress Alyson Hannigan, actress Helen Hunt, comedian Cheech Marin, and trainer Jillian Michaels.