Last Updated: September 04, 2022
California State University System
The California State University System is the largest comprehensive university in the country with a total of 23 campuses and 8 off-campuses. Created in 1960, this system has been one of the most reliable, affordable, and accessible higher education systems in the country with around 129,000 degrees being awarded every year. This system has over 486,000 students along with over 56,000 educational staff. All the programs offered by institutions under this system are accredited and they offer high-quality education and work opportunities irrespective of the field of study one has chosen.
List of Universities in California State University System
There are 23 state universities listed as CSUs which are located across the state. These are public institutions that are funded by the government and they provide 4-year degrees for different fields of study. These colleges include-
| University | City/Town | Student Population |
| CSU Bakersfield | Bakersfield | 10,500 |
| CSU Channel Islands | Camarillo | 6,000 |
| CSU Chico | Chico | 17,500 |
| CSU Dominguez Hills | Carson | 16,000 |
| CSU East Bay | Hayward | 15,000 |
| CSU Fresno | Fresno | 24,500 |
| CSU Fullerton | Fullerton | 40,300 |
| Humbolt State University | Arcata | 8,000 |
| CSU Long Beach | Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach | 37,500 |
| CSU Los Angeles | Los Angeles | 28,000 |
| CSU Maritime Academy | Vallejo | 1,000 |
| CSU Monterey Bay | Seaside | 7,500 |
| CSU Northridge | Northridge | 40,000 |
| CSPU Pomona | Pomona | 26,000 |
| CSU Sacramento | Sacramento | 31,000 |
| CSU San Bernardino | San Bernardino | 21,000 |
| San Diego State University | San Diego | 34,000 |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco | 30,000 |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | 33,000 |
| California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | 21,000 |
| CSU San Marcos | San Marcos | 14,000 |
| Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park | 9,000 |
| CSU Stanislaus | Turlock | 10,000 |
Admission Criteria to Enroll in CSU
Candidates who wish to enroll in programs at CSU will have to cross-check the particular eligibility requirements of the institution they are applying to. At the same time, there are general requirements for freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, and international students who apply to any of the institutions under CSU.
Admission for Freshmen
The admission requirements for freshmen are as follows-
- Specific High School Courses with specific grades dependent on the institution and on whether the candidate is a resident or non-resident of California
- Required GPA in Math and Science Courses
- Household Income Details
- Extracurricular and Leadership Details
- Proof of Participation in Educational Programs
- ACT/SAT not required
Admission for Transfer Students
The admission requirements for transfer students are dependent on whether they are doing an upper-division or lower-division transfer. This will also be dependent on whether they are doing a CCC-Associate Degree for transfer.
Admission for Graduate Students
The admission requirements for graduate students are as follows-
- Completion of 4-year undergraduate degree/hold a baccalaureate
- Proof of Good Academic Standing
- GPA of 2.5 or above for Baccalaureate Degree
- Meet Other Requirements Specified by Institution of Choice.
- TOEFL, if required
Admission for International Students
The admission requirements for international students are as follows-
- TOEFL Score of 500 or above on Paper-Based Test/ Score of 61 or above on Internet-Based Test.
- Financial Certification
- Academic Records/Educational Transcripts
- Completed Health Evaluation Form
- Medical Health Insurance
- Statement of Purpose
Tuition and Fee to Study at CSU
The tuition fee that candidates have to pay while studying in any of the CSU institutions will be the same since they have basic systemwide tuition. This tuition amount is based on the level of education the candidate is enrolled in and it is also based on whether the student is a resident or non-resident of California state. The basic tuition fee will not include the additional expenses and mandatory expenses that one will have to pay apart from the yearly tuition.
The fee structure based on the different levels of education will be dependent on whether the program has above or below 6 credits per semester. The estimated amounts for residents are as follows-
| Programs | Yearly Fee |
| Undergraduate Degree |
| 6.1 + units | $5,800 |
| 0-6 units | $3,400 |
| Credential |
| 6.1 +1 units | $6,700 |
| 0-6 units | $4,000 |
| Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Degree |
| 6.1+1 units | $7,200 |
| 0-6 units | $4,200 |
| Doctoral |
| Audiology | $14,800 |
| Education | $11,900 |
| Nursing Practice | $15,300 |
| Physical Therapy | $17,200 |
List of Best Universities and Best Programs at CSU
| Institution | Program |
| CSU Bakersfield | Nursing |
| CSU Channel Islands | Nursing |
| CSU Fullerton | Business |
| CSU Northridge | Business |
| Cal Poly Pomona | Hospitality and Hotel Management |
| CSU San Bernardino | MBA/Criminal Justice |
| San Jose State University | Engineering |
| Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Engineering |
Popular Universities for International Students
A few of the most popular institutions in which international students can enroll are as follows-
CSU Bakersfield
This university is one of the best among all the other state universities in California. It was established in the year 1971 and offers around 39 bachelor’s degrees and 17 master’s degrees in all. The institution also offers doctoral degrees. It has a student population of around 10,500 along with around 1,100 educational staff. The most commonly opted programs here include nursing, business administration, liberal arts, psychology, criminal justice, etc.
CSU Channel Islands
This university was established in the year 2002 and is the most recently added institution to CSU. It offers around 54 different bachelor’s degrees and around 6 master’s degrees along with around 19 credentials. It has a student population of around 6,000 along with over 700 academic staff. The commonly opted programs here include psychology, nursing, biological sciences, liberal studies, etc.
CSU Fullerton
This university was established in the year 1959 and is known for having the largest student population among all the other institutions under CSU. It offers over 55 bachelor’s degrees and around 54 graduate programs in all. It has a student population of around 40,300 along with over 3,500 educational staff. The best programs here include speech communication, business administration & management, early childhood education, etc.
CSU Northridge
This university was established in the year 1958 and is known to have the third-largest student body at CSU. It offers over 134 degrees along with over 25 teaching credentials and doctoral programs. It has a student population of around 40,000 along with over 4,000 academic staff. The commonly opted programs here are from fields like business administration, sociology, finance, business management, etc.
California Polytechnic State University Pomona
This university was established in the year 1938. It offers over 94 bachelor’s degrees and 39 master’s degrees along with credential and doctoral programs. It has a student population of around 26,000 along with over 1,300 educational staff. The commonly opted programs are from fields like hospitality management, psychology, civil engineering, computer science, etc.
CSU San Bernardino
This university was established in the year 1965 and is known for the best research opportunities offered. It offers over 123 bachelor’s programs, 61 master’s programs, and other credential and doctoral degrees. It has a student population of around 21,000 along with over 310 academic staff. The best programs offered here are in the fields of business administration, psychology, criminal justice, MBA, etc.
San Jose State University
This university was established in the year 1857 and it became part of the CSU in the year 1972. It offers over 143 bachelor’s programs, 95 master’s degrees, and other credential programs. It has a student population of around 33,000 along with over 3,700 educational staff. The best programs offered here include engineering, business administration, speech communication, etc.
California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo
This university was established in the year 1901 and it became part of the CSU in 1947. It is one of the oldest institutions at CSU. It offers around 65 bachelor’s degrees and 40 master’s degrees. It has a student population of around 21,000 along with over 2,800 educational staff. The best programs offered here include mechanical engineering, biological sciences, agricultural business operations, etc.
