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Graduate Students

The CSU offers outstanding opportunities for students to pursue graduate and doctoral degrees. It offers over 1,400 programs to choose from so that student can attain their personal and professional goals.


Applying to a CSU

Cal State Apply is the Centralized Application System for all 23 California State University (CSU) campuses. You only need to submit ONE Cal State Apply application even if you are applying to multiple CSU campuses (Note: There is a $70 nonrefundable application fee for each campus you apply to).


Residency for Tuition Purposes Requirements

Students must meet the following residency requirements in order to be eligible for in-state tuition, must have an eligible immigration status​, meet physical presence, and meet the intent requirement. If you are continuing student, you are NOT required to meet the financial independence requirement.

Students are responsible for verifying all fee balances and registration prior to the s​tart of the term. Nonresident students will be charged out-of-state tuition if they do not meet the California State University residency requirements for tuition purposes. This means the tuition rate is higher for students who are classified as nonresidents (e.g., residents from other states, foreign students). If you think your nonresident classification was an error, please contact your campus Admissions Office.

Cost of Attendance​

Exceptions and Exemptions for Residency

If you do not qualify as a California resident, you may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions. California Nonresident Tuition  Exemption (AB 540)​ is the most common residency exceptions that most graduates are granted if they attended and graduated from a California school.


Financial Aid

It is encouraged for students to review the eligibility requirements and seek financial aid advice from the campus Financial Aid Office to learn more about the financial aid available to graduate students.


CSU Resources for Undocumented Students

If you are undocumented, the CSU has many resources available; please refer to the Resources for Undocumented Students website. In addition, each campus has a dedicated staff to help you navigate the campus and provide you with resources to succeed. To contact the campus Dream Center staff, refer to campus contact


Free Immigration Services

The CSU offers free immigration services for students, faculty, staff, their immediate family (spouses, parents, siblings, and children), and alumni (up to 2 years after graduating) from a CSU campus; please refer to the campus Dream Center to make your appointment.