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CSU Facts Introduction

Applying

Applying

With 23 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, at calstate.edu/apply.

Due to the large number of applicants, some universities have additional admissions criteria for particular majors or for students who live outside the local campus area. Universities use 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

First-Time Students

First-time students must meet the standards in each of ​the following areas:

  • Graduate from high school or equivalent
  • Complete required college preparatory coursework
  • Earn suitable grades in college preparatory coursework
  • Achieve a qualifying grade point average (GPA)

Transfer Students

There are many paths to attending the CSU, including the Transfer Success Pathway program. This new dual admission program guarantees future admission to 2023 high school graduates and beyond who are entering a California community college and who commit to transferring within three years. Many transfer students enter as upper-division transfers and must complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units and required general education (GE) before transferring. Students who have earned an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and are accepted to a similar degree program will be admitted to the CSU with junior status.

Graduate Students

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.