California State Universities (CSU)
About California State University System
The CSU prepares students for success through leadingedge programs, superior teaching and scholarly activity. High-quality academic programs reflect California’s current and future workforce demands in emerging fields such as cybersecurity, software engineering, sustainable business and environmental technology.
With 23 campuses, chances are there is a CSU that fits YOU! The CSU is the state’s greatest producer of bachelor’s degrees and drives California’s economy in agriculture, information technology, business, hospitality, life sciences, healthcare, public administration, education, media, and entertainment.
The California State University promotes student success through opportunity and a high-quality education that prepares students to become leaders in the changing workforce, making the CSU a vital economic engine for California.
CSU Fact Book linked here.
Explore the California State University System
Cal State Apply provides useful tools to help you explore campuses by geographic location, major, size and other criteria you set.
Deciding on a major and degree is an important part of applying to the CSU. Explore degrees across the 23 campuses to find the course of study that's right for you.
Check out CSU tours! These are designed just for you - the prospective student - to give you a sense of their programs, people and the place.
Check out the CSU’s cost of attendance as it varies by campus.
Apply to California State Universities
Cal State Apply is the place to apply to all California State University campuses.
The Cal State application window is October 1 - November 30!
Review the freshmen minimum eligibility requirements and selection process for campuses of interest by clicking below. There may be additional eligibility criteria for impacted majors/campuses.
How will no test score impact my ability to compete for admission at impacted CSU campuses? Impacted CSU campuses will use your “a-g” GPA and supplemental factors to inform campus admission decisions. Factors may include number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information.
Priority application deadlines by campus - and be sure to keep track of deadlines to submit transcripts.
The CSU offers a wide variety of student services for academics, activities, and other supports. Be sure to check out transition services for students who are undocumented, LGBTQ+, foster/homeless and/or have accessibility needs.
After submitting your CSU applications, you must complete the EOP application (if eligible). You will need TWO recommenders (teacher, coach, mentor, community member) for EOP. Check out these Common Questions About EOP.
Many CSU campuses and majors are impacted (more qualified students are applying than can be admitted). Check out the impaction list and be sure that either your first or alternative major choice is NOT an impacted major.
Within the CSU system, 18 campuses have Honors Programs for incoming freshmen. These require a separate application and have their own deadlines. Click below to learn more about the programs, benefits and requirements.
Serving 486,000 students across 23 campuses, the California State University plays an integral role in transforming the state and the lives of its people through higher education. As the largest university system in the U.S. with a range of studies and locations across California, the CSU provides all individuals interested in furthering their education access to a valuable, life-changing college degree. Here are just 10 reasons to apply to the CSU.