Applying

With 22 universities* and thousands of degrees to choose from, the CSU offers more choices and connections than any other public higher education institution in the nation. Students planning to enter the CSU can apply through the online application tool, Cal State Apply.

Due to the large number of applicants, some universities have additional admission criteria for particular majors or for students who live outside the local campus area. Universities utilize local admission guarantee policies for students who graduate or transfer from high schools and community colleges that are historically served by a CSU in that region.

Admission Requirements

Freshman Applicants

First-time freshman applicants must meet the standards in each of the following areas:

• Graduate from high school or equivalent.
• Complete required college preparatory coursework.
• Achieve a qualifying GPA.

Transfer Applicants

The CSU offers multiple transfer pathways, giving students flexible options to reach their educational goals. These include the Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) program, designed for students who have not earned college credit after high school and plan to attend a California community college before transferring. Students can enroll in this program, explore admission requirements and plan their transfer to CSU campuses using the CSU Transfer Planner.

Many transfer students enter the CSU as upper-division transfers, meaning they have completed at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units, including required general education coursework. Some campuses accept lower-division transfers for students with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units. Students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and are admitted to a similar major enter the CSU with junior standing.

Graduate Applicants

To apply for admission to graduate or postbaccalaureate studies, a student must:

• Earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 2.5 GPA.
• Be in good academic standing while satisfactorily meeting the professional, personal, scholastic and other standards for graduate study.

Learn more at Cal State Apply.