California State University System: Top Courses, Tuition Fees and Admission Process
The California State University system is the largest four-year public university system in the USA. Every year, approximately 4,35,000 students enroll in a diverse range of academic programs such as agriculture, information technology, business management, hospitality, public administration, education, media, and entertainment.
As compared to the University of California system, CSU schools have smaller student bodies and higher acceptance rates.
- What is the California State University System?
- Why Study at California State University System?
- List of CSU Schools in the USA
- Study Intakes in the California State University System
- Popular Courses in CSU Schools
- Eligibility Criteria for International Students to Study at CSU Schools
- Required Documents for California State University System
- Application Process for the California State University System
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is the California State University System?
- The California State University System is one of the oldest university systems in the USA.Â
- It was established in 1960 to provide affordable educational programs to the local community of California.Â
- Along with this, CSU schools play a crucial role in boosting the local economy by developing the workforce and creating jobs.Â
- It includes over 4,35,000 students and 50,000 faculty members across the 23 schools.Â
- The CSU schools offer 2,700 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across several disciplines.
Why Study at California State University System?
Below, we have mentioned some of the top reasons to enroll at CSU schools for international students.
Availability of Professional & Vocational Courses
- The California State University system has a strong emphasis on offering vocational and technical courses such as industrial technology and packaging, culinology, viticulture, etc.
- This helps international students find relevant programs that are aspiring to inculcate professional skill sets and join the industry.
Affordable Tuition Fees
- Depending on the program and university, international students are required to pay approximately USD 25,000-40,000 or INR 21 Lakhs-34 Lakhs per year.
- As compared to the University of California system, studying at CSU schools is more affordable for international students.
High Acceptance Rate
- The California State University system can be a great alternative for Indian applicants who are unable to secure admission to other university systems, such as the Ivy League, Public Ivies, or the University of California system.Â
- Currently, the acceptance rate in CSU schools is around 40%-80%.Â
Strong Industry Connections
CSU schools maintain strong connections with industries such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Disney, etc., helping students to find internships and full-time employment opportunities.
List of CSU Schools in the USA
The California State University system comprises 23 schools located in various parts of California. Below, we have provided the list of 23 CSU schools.
- California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
- California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
- California State University, Chico (CSUC)
- California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
- California State University, East Bay (CSUEB)
- California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
- California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
- California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
- California State University, Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime)
- California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB)
- California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
- California State University, Sacramento (Sac State)
- California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
- California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM)
- California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State)
- Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt)
- San Diego State University (SDSU)
- San Francisco State University (SFSU)
- San José State University (SJSU)
- Sonoma State University (SSU)
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
Study Intakes in the California State University System
Similar to any other USA university, the CSU schools also offer admission to international students in 3 intakes: fall, spring, and summer. Below, we have provided a table highlighting the application cycle, application deadlines, and intake duration for the California State University system.
| Intake | Commencement of Application | Application Deadlines | Duration of Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake | August/September 2024 | December 2024-March 2025 | September 2025-June 2026 |
| Spring Intake | July/August 2024 | October-November 2024 | January-June 2025 |
| Summer Intake | September/October 2024 | February-March 2025 | May-August/September 2025 |
Popular Courses in CSU Schools
Each California State University campus has its unique strengths and popular programs. Below, we have included a general list of popular courses in CSU schools.
- Agriculture Sciences
- Business Management
- Computer Sciences
- Criminal Justice and Law
- Economics
- Engineering & Technology
- Education
- Industrial Technology
- Metallurgy
- Psychology
Eligibility Criteria for International Students to Study at CSU Schools
The eligibility criteria for international students to study at CSU schools depends on campus, course level, and study program.
For Bachelor’s Level Courses
Applicants must have completed 10+2 education from a government-recognised school of CBSE/ISC/state board with at least 70-90% grade, depending on the prospective university and course.
For Master’s Level Courses
Completed 3-4 years of bachelor’s degree from a government-recognised college/university with at least 65-90% grade, depending on the prospective university and course.
Standardised Tests
Some CSU schools provide standardised test waiver options, but submitting these scores can enhance the application.
| Standardised Tests | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1500-1580 |
| ACT | 34-36 |
| GMAT | 700-720 |
| GRE | 330 |
English Language Test Scores
Some CSU schools provide alternatives or waivers to English language proficiency tests. However, submitting these scores can enhance the strength of the application process.
| English Language Proficiency Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 100-110 |
| IELTS | 7.0-7.5 |
| PTE | 65-70 |
| Duolingo | 110-125 |
Extracurricular Activities
California State University campuses also emphasise an applicant’s background in extracurricular activities such as internships, projects, olympiads, etc., while considering their application.
Interview and Portfolio
Depending on the course and campus, applicants are required to appear in the interview conducted by the CSU schools.
Required Documents for California State University System
- All previous academic transcripts
- 1 CV/Resume
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- Application Fee (depending on the university)
- WES Evaluation Report
- Work Experience Letter/Portfolio (if required)
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities
- Passport
Application Process for the California State University System
- Students planning to take admissions to California State University campuses can apply through the online application tool Cal Apply.
- Depending on the universities and study programs, applicants are required to submit additional documents or fulfill the course-specific requirements.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The California State University (CSU) system is one of the most popular public university systems in the USA. CSU schools provide high-quality education at more affordable tuition rates than the University of California (UC) system.
While the UC system is renowned for its research-oriented programs, CSU schools focus on practical, technical, and vocational courses, catering to both domestic and international students.
FAQs
What is the cost of study in the California State University System?
The cost of study in the CSU schools is around USD 25,000-40,000 or INR 21 Lakhs-34 Lakhs per year, depending on the university and course.
What are popular courses at CSU schools?
Some of the popular courses at California State University system are agriculture sciences, business management, computer science, engineering and technology, data science, economics, law, psychology, and public health.
What GPA do I need to get into the CSU schools?
To get into CSU schools, the minimum average grade requirement is around 70-90% for undergraduate programs and 65-90% for master’s degree courses.
How to Apply for California State Universities?
You can apply to California State Universities through the common application tool, Cal State Apply. This platform provides a comprehensive list of all available courses and campuses, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
How many California state universities are there in California?
There are 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system, all located across California.
