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California State University (CSU): a guide to Cal State campuses
The California State University is the largest four-year public university system in the country. Its campuses focus on teaching and career-ready bachelor’s and master’s degrees, usually at a lower cost than the UC.
22
universities across California in the CSU system
1
application for every CSU campus through Cal State Apply
0
weight given to SAT or ACT scores in admission
All CSU profiles
Compare the Cal State campuses
Each profile covers admissions, cost, campus life and location.
| Campus | Location | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego State (SDSU) | San Diego | A large, research-active CSU with business and public health programs |
| Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, Central Coast | “Learn by doing”: engineering, agriculture and architecture |
| Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) | Long Beach | A large, affordable campus with arts and engineering programs |
| Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) | Fullerton, Orange County | Business, communications and one of the largest CSU enrollments |
| Cal State Northridge (CSUN) | Northridge, San Fernando Valley | Music, film and deaf studies |
| San José State (SJSU) | San José, Silicon Valley | Engineering and business with close ties to the tech industry |
| CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) | Seaside, Monterey Bay | A smaller coastal campus with marine and environmental science |
| Chico State | Chico, Northern California | A residential college town with agriculture and strong campus life |
| CSU San Bernardino | San Bernardino, Inland Empire | Access for first-generation students in the Inland Empire |
| CSU Dominguez Hills | Carson, South Bay Los Angeles | Flexible programs for working and transfer students |
Admission standards and costs change every year. Check each profile and the campus’s official admissions page for current figures.
How the CSU system works
What every Cal State campus has in common
Some campuses are much more competitive than others, but the basic rules are shared.
Teaching-focused universities
CSU campuses concentrate on undergraduate and master’s education, with hands-on programs tied to California’s workforce.
A–G courses and GPA
Freshman admission is based on A–G courses and GPA. The CSU does not use SAT or ACT scores.
Impacted programs
When a campus or major gets more qualified applicants than it has room for, it is called impacted and uses higher standards.
How to apply
Applying to a Cal State, step by step
One application reaches every campus. See our application guide and deadlines.
Step 1
Complete A–G courses
Finish the required A–G courses. Your GPA in those courses is the main admission factor.
Step 2
Apply on Cal State Apply
You submit it in the fall. You can apply to several campuses and check whether your major is impacted.
Step 3
Apply for aid
File the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for Cal Grant and CSU grants. See cost of attendance.
Step 4
Compare offers
Decisions arrive in late winter and spring. Compare aid offers before you commit.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between a CSU and a UC?
The CSU focuses on teaching and career-oriented degrees and usually costs less. The UC focuses on research and offers doctoral programs. See our UC campus guide.
Which Cal State is hardest to get into?
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State are among the most competitive, especially for impacted majors. Many other campuses admit most qualified applicants.
Can I transfer to a CSU from a community college?
Yes. An Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from a California community college guarantees admission to the CSU system, though not to a specific campus or major. See our community colleges guide.
Is Cal Poly SLO a Cal State?
Yes. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is part of the California State University system, even though its name doesn’t include “Cal State.”
How much does a Cal State cost?
CSU tuition is set systemwide and is lower than UC tuition, but housing and living costs vary by campus. Many California students qualify for grants that cover tuition. Read our guide to paying for college.
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