Explained: The California State University's Direct Admission Program

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For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming. The California State University's Direct Admission Program is designed to make that journey clearer by helping high school students explore options for attending the CSU earlier in the college planning process.  ​​

Beginning with the fall 2027 admission cycle, the CSU is expanding its Direct Admission Program​ to more districts​ statewide under Senate Bill 640, building on successful pilot efforts that have already helped increase college applications, admissions and enrollment among students in participating school districts.  

CSU Direct Admission Program at a Glance 

• Direct admission is a proactive offer of admission extended to students who meet the CSU's academic standards before they even apply. It is expanding to more districts statewide for students applying for fall 2027.  
• Eligible students will receive mailed notifications that they are eligible for admission to participating CSU campuses.  
• Eligible students must still submit an application to the CSU and complete required enrollment steps.  
• Seventeen CSU campuses are participating in the program for fall 2027, though students can apply to all 22 campuses.  ​
  
• The program works in partnership with public school districts, charter schools and private schools that have signed an agreement with the CSU. Only students at participating schools and districts will receive mailed notifications. 

What Is the CSU Direct Admission Program? 

The CSU Direct Admission Program, sometimes referred to as automatic acceptance, notifies eligible students using academic information provided by participating schools and districts and proactively informs those students that they qualify for admission to participating CSU campuses. 

The goal is to reduce barriers that can prevent students from pursuing higher education, including uncertainty about college eligibility, limited access to information and the complexity of the admissions process. As the nation's largest four-year public university system, the CSU is committed to expanding access and helping more Californians achieve their educational goals.  

Students who receive a direct admission notification are encouraged to complete the Cal State Apply application and any additional steps needed to finalize admission. Submitting an application is required to be​ admitted ​to CSUs participating in the program. 

How Does Direct Admission Work? 

1. Students Are Identified 

Participating schools and districts review student records and identify eligible graduating seniors based on CSU admission requirements and the students' progress toward completing required coursework.  

2. Students Receive a Personalized Notification 

All students at participating schools and districts receive a personalized communication in the mail from the CSU outlining their options for pursuing a CSU degree. Depending on their academic standing, the communication may inform the student that they are eligible for admission into participating CSU campuses, that they are almost eligible for admission and should work with a college counselor to review their courses, or that they are not currently eligible and should explore the CSU's Transfer Success Pathway program.  

3. Students Complete the Application Process 

Students who are eligible for direct admission must submit a Cal State Apply application and complete any required enrollment steps to finalize admission.  

Who Is Eligible? 

Under SB 640, the CSU will extend offers of direct admission to students who meet CSU admission criteria based on their academic record through the end of 11th grade.  

In general, eligibility is based on factors such as: 

• Progress toward completing the required A-G college preparatory courses. 
• Grade-point average and other CSU admission requirements. 
• Academic data and course completion ​information provided by participating schools and districts.  

Schools may also consider dual enrollment coursework, Advanced Placement coursework and exams, summer coursework and other approved methods students use to satisfy A-G requirements.  

Which CSU Campuses Participate? 

For students applying for fall 2027 admission, 17 CSU campuses are participating in the Direct Admission Program. Students who receive an offer of direct admission and apply to one or more​​​ of the 17 participating CSUs will be guaranteed admission into those universities, though not necessarily into the program of choice depending on its level of impaction. Some academic programs at participating campuses may have additional admission requirements​​.​

Students may still apply to any of the CSU's 22 universities, regardless of whether a campus participates in the program. Students who apply to CSU campuses not participating in the CSU Direct Admission Program will be considered for admission according to the usual review process, but they will not be guaranteed admission to those campuses. ​

The following CSU campuses are participating in the Direct Admission Program at this time:

*California State University, Dominguez Hills

**California State University, Northridge

What If I'm Not CSU Eligible, Yet? 

One of the program's most important goals is helping students understand their options early enough to take action. 

Students who are close to meeting CSU eligibility requirements will receive communications encouraging them to meet with a counselor, review their coursework and create a plan for completing remaining requirements. During the pilot program, counselors reported that many students adjusted their schedules, completed missing courses and became eligible after receiving these communications. Students who take these steps and become CSU eligible are encouraged to submit an application. 

Students who are not currently on track for CSU admission will receive information about the CSU's Transfer Success Pathway program. 

The Transfer Success Pathway is the CSU's dual admission program that helps students begin their higher education journey at a California community college and then transfer to a CSU campus within three years. SB 640 extended the program as part of California's effort to expand access to higher education and create multiple pathways to a CSU degree.  

For many students, community college can be an affordable and flexible route to eventually earning a CSU bachelor's degree.  

What Happens After Receiving a Direct Admission Notice? 

Receiving a direct admission notice is an exciting milestone, but there are still important steps to complete. 

Students should: 

• Review the information they receive from the CSU. 
• Meet with a school counselor if they have questions about eligibility or next steps. 
• Research CSU campuses and academic programs. 
• Submit a Cal State Apply application during the application filing period—typically October 1 through November 30. 
• Complete financial aid applications, including the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, if applicable. 
• Monitor email and campus communications for additional admission information.  
• After receiving an offer of acceptance, complete all enrollment steps, such as submitting an intent to register and signing up for student orientation.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CSU Direct Admission Program the same as automatic acceptance? 

The CSU Direct Admission Program is sometimes referred to as an automatic admission or automatic acceptance program because eligible students are proactively informed that they qualify for admission to participating CSU campuses. However, students must still submit a Cal State Apply application and complete any required enrollment steps to finalize admission. 

Do I still need to apply if I receive a direct admission notification? 

Yes. Students must still submit a Cal State Apply application and complete any required enrollment steps. Public school students may launch their Cal State Apply application through the California Colleges website. ​

Does automatic ​​admission ​guarantee that I will be admitted to my CSU campus of choice? 

Students who receive direct admission opportunities and continue to meet minimum CSU admission eligibility will be admitted to a CSU campus, provided the student is not selecting an impacted major or campus. Seventeen of the 22 CSU campuses accept students who meet minimum CSU admission eligibility. Impacted majors and campuses will require additional admission requirements. Learn more about admissions ​requirements for freshmen. 

Will every California high school student receive a notification? 

No. Only students who attend California schools and districts that have signed a direct admissions agreement with the CSU and have provided the information needed to identify students for personalized notifications will receive mailed communications.  ​

​​Can I still apply to a campus that is not participating in direct admission? 

Yes. Students may apply to any CSU campus. Campuses​ not participating in the Direct Admission Program may require additional admission requirements. Students are encouraged to apply broadly to any of the CSUs. 

Do I still need to pay the application fee if I receive an offer of direct admission? ​

Yes. Students must still pay the application fee. The cost is $70 per campus. However, all applicants are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information requested in the application. Applicants who are eligible for the application fee waiver may apply to up to four CSU campuses per application term cost-free.  

Learn More 

Students and families interested in the CSU Direct Admission Program should speak with their high school counselor and visit Cal State Apply for the latest admissions information.