4-year Universities

Here you will find all the information on what 4-year universities are and how to apply for them.

What is a 4-year University?

A 4-year college program is an undergraduate degree program that leads to a bachelor's degree in a specific area of study. Students pursue a bachelor's degree to prepare for a profession, graduate study or both.

Types of 4-year Universities

California State Universities

There are 23 CSUs in California. These are state funded schools. Focused on practiced-based, hands-on Learning, and field work (internships) to prepare graduates for careers. Some pros of CSUs are financial aid available to increase affordability, internship, work experiences to increase possibility of getting job upon graduating, and resources to add to your academic experience: study abroad, internships, clubs, tutoring. The biggest con of the CSU system is impaction that can cause you to take longer to graduate.

Admission Requirements

minimum 2.0 GPA
no supplemental essay
Need to meet A-G requirements

UNiversity of california

There are 9 UCs in California. These are state funded schools. These schools are much bigger than the CSUs. Focused on research—theory and research prepares graduates for post-graduate programs in fields of interest. Some pros of UCs are that they are affordable with financial aid, competitive programs, notable faculty involved in cutting edge research in your field of interest, and resources to add to your academic experience: study abroad, internships, clubs, tutoring. Some cons are that because the schools are bigger, there is a higher student to faculty ratio and you might not have the opportunity to get to know your professors.

Admission Requirements:

minimum 3.0 GPA
Personal Insight Questions
Need to meet A-G requirements

Private schools

There are hundreds of private schools in California and in the rest of the United States. These schools are privately funded and the admission requirements vary by school. Some pros of private schools are smaller class sizes, generous financial aid, 4 year graduation rates, and that housing is usually guaranteed. Some cons are smaller schools might not have the program that you are looking for and just because they offer a lot of financial aid doesn't mean that it will cover your financial need. A few of the private schools near or in San Francisco are:

Admission Requirements:

minimum GPA varies
Will usually need a supplemental essay and letter of recommendation

Historically black colleges and universities

HBCUs are colleges and universities that were originally opened to only educate African-American youth in times where segregation still existed in America. Due to their history, these colleges aim to give more support to African-Americans. Some pros to HBCUs is a stronger sense of community and generous financial aid. Some cons to HBCUs is that they might not have the program that you're interested in and the financial aid offered might not cover need. They are usually private universities. Some examples of HBCUs are:

Admission Requirements:

minimum GPA varies
Will usually need a supplemental essay and letter of recommendation