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Frequently Asked Questions
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Transfer Student Admission

I'm having a technical issue applying to the CSU; where can I find help? 

The Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center has answers to many common questions about starting, filling out, submitting, and monitoring your application to the CSU.

How do I apply? 

Complete the California State University Undergraduate Application for Admission. Click here to apply now.

When do I apply? 

A list of initial filing period dates for submitting your application to the CSU can be found here. After the initial application period, some campuses may continue to accept applications on a space-available basis. For high-demand (impacted) majors, you must file during the initial filing period. Filing your application during the initial filing period is strongly encouraged for all applicants to facilitate your attending your campus of choice.​

What if I miss the initial filing period? 

Some campuses will continue to accept applications after the initial filing period, though many will not. In addition, if you are applying to a high-demand (impacted) major at any CSU campus, then you must file during the initial filing period. Be sure to check the application status page for the campus(es) in which you are interested to learn more about application filing periods, closed majors and impacted programs.​

Do I send my application to each campus I’m applying to? 

When begin your Cal State Apply application, you will select the campus(es) and program(s) that you'd like to apply.​

How much does it cost to apply? 

The Cal State Apply application fee is $70 for each campus program you apply to. This fee is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another term.​

What if I can't afford the application fee? 

In case of financial hardship, campuses allow a limited number of application fee waivers for residents of California. The fee waiver is automatically calculated based on the information you enter during the application process. You will be notified at the time you apply online if you qualify for the fee waiver. Only undergraduate California residents are eligible for application fee waivers and may use up to a maximum of four fee waivers per term.

In addition to the application, what other documents will I need to provide? 

The campus to which you are applying will let you know when to submit your official college transcripts. Transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes directly from the colleges you have attended. See the transfer student application checklist for materials you should have on hand when you apply to the CS​U.

When will the campus contact me after I've filed my application? 

How soon you will hear about your application varies from campus to campus. In all cases, within a few weeks of filing your application, the campus should notify you that your application has been received and is being processed. If the campus was unable to process your application, you will be notified as soon as possible.

When will I know if I am admitted? 

Every campus has its own timeline for notifying students of admission. Some begin notifying applicants of an admission decision soon after the receipt of an application and all necessary documents. Other campuses notify all applicants on a set date. It’s not uncommon for there to be a period of several months between your submitting your application and receiving an admission decision.

Am I automatically eligible for housing once I’m admitted? 

No. The housing application is separate. Be sure to contact the campus housing office when you apply for admission to request housing information since housing at some campuses is limited.

What is an “impacted” program? 

An impacted major or program is one where more applications are received from eligible applicants during the initial filing period than the campus can enroll. These high-demand majors or programs will have additional admission criteria above the minimum CSU admissions standards. A number of campuses across the CSU have impacted programs. If you’re interested in applying to one of these impacted programs, be sure to file an admission application during the initial filing period. Use the Impacted Majors and Campuses search to see if a major you’re considering is affected by impaction.

Which programs and campuses are impacted? 

A campus’s impaction status can change from year to year. Updated information about impacted campuses and majors/programs can be seen using the Impacted Majors and Campuses search.

When can I transfer? 

Due to enrollment pressures, most CSU campuses usually only admit upper-division transfer students. Upper-division transfer students have completed at least 60 semester units of transferable coursework, or 90 transferable quarter units, as well as certain courses required for admission. If you meet these unit minimums, your college work will be used to determine your transfer eligibility.

If you transfer with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units, you are considered a lower-division transfer student and admission is based on both your high school performance and your college work to determine if you’re eligible.

How can I determine if all my college coursework will transfer? 

All California Community Colleges have lists of courses that will transfer to the CSU. You may also consult your college counselor or transfer center to help determine which courses will be accepted for transfer credit by the CSU. The ASSIST.org site can provide information on comparable pre-major coursework and transfer courses available at California Community Colleges.

If you are transferring from a 4-year college, a private college, or a college out-of-state, it is important that you consult with the campus to which you are planning to transfer to identify the specific courses necessary to meet the transfer requirements.

What courses should I take before I transfer to the CSU? 

You are advised to complete at least 30 units of general education coursework, including courses that meet requirements in written communications, critical thinking, speech, and quantitative analysis (mathematics).

You should also consult a counselor on your campus or use ASSIS​T.org to determine which lower-division major courses might be advisable to take prior to transferring to a CSU campus.

Generally, a pattern of courses that matches the recommendations above will keep you on track for a timely graduation from a CSU campus. The CSU can accept a maximum of 70 transferable semester (105 quarter) units from community colleges

Once you are ready to apply, contact the CSU campus to which you are applying and request an evaluation of your transferrable coursework. Some campuses will provide this service prior to admission; otherwise, the CSU campus will request a copy of your official transcripts during the admission application phase.​

What are the basic lower-division transfer admission requirements? 

Most CSU campuses are not admitting lower-division transfer students. If you are a lower-division student who wants to begin attending a CSU before you earn 60 transferable semester units, you must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C) (2.40 for non-residents) or better in all transferable units attempted; meet the admission requirements for first-time freshmen; have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in GE Section A2 in written communication and a course in GE section B4 in mathematics or quantitative reasoning; and be in good standing at the last college or university attended. Contact the campus you wish to attend prior to applying.

What are the basic upper-division transfer admission requirements? 

To transfer to the CSU, you must: have completed at least 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units; have a grade point average of 2.00 (C)(2.40 for non-residents) or better in all transferable units attempted; are in good standing at the last college or university attended; and have completed at least 30 semester (45 quarter) units of college courses with a grade of C or better in courses in English, arts and humanities, social science, science, and mathematics at a level at least equivalent to courses that meet general education requirements.

The 30 semester (45 quarter) units must include all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (at least 9 semester or 12 quarter units to include written communication, oral communication, and critical thinking) and mathematics (at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units). Of, if you are  completing the ​Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), you must have completed English communication (at least 9 semester or 12 quarter units in English composition, oral communication, and critical thinking) and the requirement in mathematics (at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units).

Transfer applicants are required to submit final transcripts prior to attending CSU classes to verify that all required coursework has been completed successfully. CSU campuses may delay admission until a final transcript is submitted and may establish their own deadlines.​

What is the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program? 

The California Community Colleges (CCC) Associate in Art for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees are two-year associate degrees that are fully transferable to the CSU and are no more than 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.

With an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) — sometimes called A Degree with a Guarantee — students who meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed priority admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major.

With an ADT you will be able to earn two degrees — your associate’s degree and your bachelor’s degree — with only 120 units if you transfer into a program at the CSU that’s similar to the one in which you earned your associate’s at a California Community College. ​

What is a Degree with a Guarantee? 

A Degree ​with a Guarantee is the same as an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) -- a two-year associate degree that is fully transferable to the CSU. There are two types of degrees: an Associate in Art for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T). See “What is the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program?” above for more information.​

How do I enroll in an ADT program? 

If you’re already enrolled at a California Community College or thinking of applying to one, visit the college’s transfer center or talk to a counselor to explore available AA-T and AS-T degrees and develop a plan that will allow you to transfer to the CSU as part of the ADT program.​

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Graduate Student Admission

I'm having a technical issue applying to the CSU; where can I find help? 

The Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center has answers to many common questions about starting, filling out, submitting, and monitoring your application to the CSU.

How do I apply? 

Complete the California State University Application for Admission. Click here to apply now.

When do I apply? 

A list of initial filing period dates for submitting your application to the CSU can be found here.​

Do I send my application to each campus I’m applying to? 

When begin your Cal State Apply application, you will select the campus(es) and program(s) that you'd like to apply.​

How much does it cost to apply? 

The Cal State Apply application fee is $70 for each campus program you apply to. This fee is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another term.​

What if I can't afford the application fee? 

Fee waivers are not available for Graduate applicants.

What are the basic graduate student admission requirements? 

The minimum requirements for admission to graduate or postbaccalaureate studies at a CSU campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, chapter 1, subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, you will qualify for admission if you:
  • have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities;
  • are in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
  • have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree;
  • have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A = 4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted;
  • and meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations and specific course and/or grade prerequisites, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.

In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

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International Student Admission

I'm having a technical issue applying to the CSU; where can I find help? 

The Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center has answers to many common questions about starting, filling out, submitting, and monitoring your application to the CSU.

How do international students apply for admission to a CSU campus? 

Since each CSU campus may have different admission requirements and deadline dates for international students, contact the campus you wish to attend for their application procedures.

Usually this process includes submitting an electronic application form (international students use the same application to the CSU as all other applicants), a $70 (USD) application processing fee, proof of financial support, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL), official transcripts, and diplomas/certificates sent directly from institutions the student attended to the CSU campus in sealed envelopes (accompanied by exact literal English translations),

Additional application forms for the department to which the student is applying, letters of recommendation, portfolios, auditions, and other tests (e.g., GMAT, GRE, MAT, etc.) may also be required. Graduate applicants should check with their graduate department on the relevant CSU campus(es) for additional requirements.​

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When should international applicants turn in applications for admission and other required documents? 

International applicants should check with the CSU campus(es) they want to attend for application deadlines. Some major departments may have earlier application deadlines than others. Applicants should apply at the beginning of the application cycle to allow ample time for processing.

When can an international applicant expect to know his/her admission decision? 

An international applicant may know his/her admission decision usually within a few weeks after all the required documents have been received at the appropriate office on the CSU campus. It is important to have official documents mailed directly to the appropriate CSU campus office or significant delays may result.

How much should an international student expect to pay at a CSU campus for one year? 

 The costs to attend a CSU campus for one year vary somewhat at each campus. An international student should check with the campus he/she plans to attend for more specific information on costs for that campus.

Are international students eligible for financial loans or scholarships? 

International students are not eligible for financial loans. Scholarships may or may not be available at campuses. Interested students should contact their major departments for information on the availability of scholarships and application deadlines.
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Freshman Admission

I'm having a technical issue applying to the CSU; where can I find help? 

The Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center has answers to many common questions about starting, filling out, submitting, and monitoring your application to the CSU.

How do I apply? 

Complete the California State University Application for Admission. Click here to apply now.

When do I apply? 

A list of initial filing period dates for submitting your application to the CSU can be found here.

After the initial application period, some campuses may continue to accept applications on a space-available basis. For high-demand (impacted) majors, you must file during the initial filing period. Filing your application during the initial filing period is strongly encouraged for all applicants to facilitate your attending your campus of choice.​

What if I miss the initial filing period? 

Some campuses will continue to accept applications after the initial filing period, though many will not. In addition, if you are applying to a high-demand (impacted) major at any CSU campus, then you must file during the initial filing period. Be sure to check the application status page for the campus(es) in which you are interested to learn more about application filing periods, closed majors and impacted programs.

Do I send my application to each campus I’m applying to? 

When begin your Cal State Apply application, you will select the campus(es) and program(s) that you'd like to apply.​

How much does it cost to apply? 

The Cal State Apply application fee is $70 for each campus program you apply to. This fee is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another term.​

What if I can't afford the application fee? 

Only undergraduate California residents are eligible for application fee waivers; they may use up to a maximum of four fee waivers per application term.​ In case of financial hardship, campuses allow a limited number of application fe​e waivers for residents of California. If you file the admission application online, the fee waiver request is available during the application process. You will be notified at the time you apply online if you qualify for the fee waiver.

What are the basic freshman admission requirements? 

Admission offices at the 23 campuses use three factors to determine eligibility: 1) specific high school courses (referred to as the “a-g” courses, 2) grades in “a-g” courses and 3) graduation from high school. Many CSU campuses have higher standards for particular majors or for students who live outside the​​ir local admission area or out-of-st​ate nonresident students. Learn more about freshman admission requ​irements.​​​

In addition to the application, what other documents will I need to provide? 

The campus to which you are applying will provide information about when to submit your official high school transcript. Transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes directly from the high school from which you will or have graduated. See the freshman application checklist for materials you should have on hand when you apply to the CSU.​

When will I know if I am admitted? 

Each campus has its own timeline for notifying students of admission. Some begin notifying applicants of an admission decision soon after the receipt of an application and all necessary documents. Other campuses notify all applicants on a set date. It’s not uncommon for there to be a period of several months between your submitting your application and receiving an admission decision.​

Am I automatically eligible for housing once I’m admitted? 

No. The housing application is separate. Be sure to contact the campus housing office when you apply for admission to request housing information since housing at some campuses is limited.​

What is an “impacted” program? 

An impacted major or program is one where more applications are received from eligible applicants during the initial filing period than the campus can enroll. These high-demand majors or programs will have additional admission criteria above the minimum CSU admissions standards. A number of  campuses across the CSU have impacted programs. If you’re interested in applying to one of these impacted programs, be sure to file an admission application during the initial filing period. Use the Impacted Majors and Campuses search to see if a major you’re considering is affected by impaction.​

Which programs and campuses are impacted? 

A campus’s impaction status can change from year to year. Updated information about impacted campuses and majors/programs can be seen using the Impacted Majors and Campuses search.​

Can I earn college credit while still attending high school? 

Yes, all CSU campuses allow high school students to earn credit toward their degree. You can earn college credit for completing Advanced Placement (AP) examinations with a score of 3 or better or by passing higher-level International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations with passes of 4 or higher. You can also take college courses while in high school and, if transferable, they may be counted toward your bachelor’s degree.​

Do I need to submit the SAT or ACT scores for admission? 

The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the proper mathematics and written communication courses. Visit the CSU S​tudent Success​ site for further information on​ course placement.
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Teaching Credential

I want to get my teaching credential – what are my options? 

The CSU offers a number of options for those who would like to earn their teaching credential. Now you can earn your degree and credential in a combined program at a growing number of CSU campuses; this means you graduate with your bachelor’s degree and your credential. For more information, explore ed​ucation degree programs at the CSU.

In addition, CalStateTEACH is an innovative CSU program for teachers to earn their multiple-subject teaching credentials online. It’s designed for those who either wish to become a multiple-subject teacher, but are unable to attend a traditional, classroom-based teacher education program, or those who are already teaching without a credential.

California faces a particular shortage of special education, mathematics, and science teachers. With a special focus on these shortage areas, the TEACH California program is designed to recruit individuals to the profession of teaching; explain the teacher preparation process; assist prospective teachers in creating a plan to become credentialed teachers; partner with related public and non-profit entities; and offer links to important resources. ​

Learn more at the Teaching Credential Candidate section of Cal State Apply.

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Choosing a Campus

Which is the best CSU campus for me? 

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering where you want to study at the CSU:
  • What are your academic and professional ambitions?
  • If you know what your ambitions are and what your major will be, does the campus offer courses in that field?
  • Do you prefer attending a small campus or a larger one?
  • Do you prefer a campus in a big city, a large town, or a rural community?
  • If you enjoy an extracurricular activity or particular sports, does the campus offer these?

If you know the answers to these questions, it will make it much easier to find the campus(es) that are right for you. Use the CSU Campus Match tool to learn more about the 23 campuses of the CSU and to help narrow your choices.

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Visit degrees.calstate.edu to learn more about the many majors and degrees offered at the CSU.​

What are my housing options ? 

You’ll need to check with the campus you want to attend to learn what options they have for on- and off-campus housing as well as the cost of housing and arranging for a tour of housing facilities. The housing application process is separate from the university's admission process. Applicants are encouraged to contact the housing office of each campus for campus-specific eligibility requirements.

What is an “impacted” program? 

An impacted major or program is one where more applications are received from eligible applicants during the initial filing period than the campus can enroll. These high-demand majors or programs will have additional admission criteria above the minimum CSU admissions standards. A number of campuses across the CSU have impacted programs. If you’re interested in applying to one of these impacted programs, be sure to file an admission application during the initial filing period. Use the Impacted Majors ​and Campuses search to see if a major you’re considering is affected.​

Which programs and campuses are impacted? 

A campus’s impaction status can change from year to year. Updated information about impacted campuses and majors can be seen using the Impacted Majors and Campuses search​.

When are campus tours offered and how do I arrange for a campus tour? 

Visit the Campus Events​ page.

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Choosing a Degree

I need help choosing a degree — where do I begin? 

The 23 campuses of the California State University system offer more than 4,100 undergraduate and graduate degrees through both classroom and online instruction as well as hybrid programs (a combination of in-person and online instruction).

In selecting a degree program, one of the most important aspects is its academic fit—that is, how well-suited the school is to what you want to study. When selecting a degree major and making a decision to apply to a specific program, consider the following factors:

  • Does the program emphasize theory or practice?
  • Where do the program's graduates go after graduation?
  • Does the program offer placement information?
  • Are there opportunities to teach?
  • Are there opportunities for professional development?
  • Are you academically prepared for the kind of program being offered?

To help you find the degree program that's right for you, visit the Degrees, Certificates & Credentials section on Calstate.edu.​

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Getting Into the CSU

How do I apply? 

Complete the California State University Application for Admission. Click here to apply now.

When do I apply? 

A list of initial filing period dates for submitting your application to the CSU can be found here. After the initial application period, some campuses may continue to accept applications on a space-available basis. For high-demand (impacted) majors, you must file during the initial filing period. Filing your application during the initial filing period is strongly encouraged for all applicants to facilitate your attending your campus of choice.

What if I miss the initial filing period? 

Some campuses will continue to accept applications after the initial filing period, though many will not. In addition, if you are applying to a high-demand (impacted) major at any CSU campus, then you must file during the initial filing period. Be sure to check the application status page for the campus(es) in which you are interested to learn more about application filing periods, closed majors and impacted programs.

Do I send my application to each campus I’m applying to? 

When begin your Cal State Apply application, you will select the campus(es) and program(s) that you'd like to apply.​

What are the basic freshman admission requirements? 

Admission offices at the 23 campuses use three factors to determine eligibility: 1) specific high sch​​ool courses (referred to as the “a-g” courses, 2) grades in “a-g” courses and 3) graduation from high school. Many CSU campuses have higher standards for particular majors or for students who live outside their local admission area or out-of-st​ate nonresident students. Learn more about freshman admission requirements.​​​

What are the basic lower-division transfer admission requirements? 

Most CSU campuses are not admitting lower-division transfer students. If you are a lower-division student who wants to begin attending a CSU before you earn 60 transferable semester units, you must: have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C) (2.40 for non-residents) or better in all transferable units attempted; be in good standing at the last college or university attended; and meet the admission requirements for first-time freshmen.

What are the basic upper-division transfer admission requirements? 

To transfer to the CSU, you must: have completed at least 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units; have a grade point average of 2.00 (C) (2.40 for non-residents) or better in all transferable units attempted; are in good standing at the last college or university attended; and have completed at least 30 semester (45 quarter) units of college courses with a grade of C or better in courses in English, arts and humanities, social science, science, and mathematics at a level at least equivalent to courses that meet general education requirements.
 
The 30 semester (45 quarter) units must include all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (at least 9 semester or 12 quarter units to include written communication, oral communication, and critical thinking) and mathematics (at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units). Of, if you are completing the ​Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), you must have completed English communication (at least 9 semester or 12 quarter units in English composition, oral communication, and critical thinking) and the requirement in mathematics (at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units).
 
Transfer applicants are required to submit final transcripts prior to attending CSU classes to verify that all required coursework has been completed successfully. CSU campuses may delay admission until a final transcript is submitted and may establish their own deadlines.

How do I enroll in an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program? 

The California Community Colleges (CCC) Associate in Art for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees are two-year associate degrees that are fully transferable to the CSU and are no more than 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.

With an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) —sometimes called A Degree with a Guar​​antee— students who meet the CSU's minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed priority admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major.

If you're already enrolled at a California Community College or thinking of applying to one, visit the college's transfer center or talk to a counselor to explore available AA-T and AS-T degrees and develop a plan that will allow you to transfer to the CSU as part of the ADT program.

Do I have to show proof of immunization to attend the CSU? 

Proof of immunization is not an admission requirement, but it is a requirement for all students prior to enrollment at the CSU. Learn more about CSU immunization requirements and recommendations. ​​
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Paying for College

What is student financial aid? 

Student financial aid is money to help students pay for their college expenses. College can be expensive and many families and students are not able to afford to pay for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and the living expenses associated with attending college. Federal and state governments, colleges and universities, and organizations attempt to make sure that college is affordable for all students by providing student financial aid to help meet college costs for students who do not have sufficient resources.

What is financial need? 

Financial need is determined according to formulas established by the federal government. Using those formulas, the information supplied on the Free Application for Feder​al Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application is used to calculate an expected family contribution. This is the amount that the student and family are expected to pay for college costs. This a​​mount is subtracted from the total cost of attending college, and the difference is the financial need.​​

Who should apply for financial aid? 

If a student and his/her family (parents, spouse) need help paying college expenses, he/she should apply for financial aid. There is no charge for filing an application.

All of the information submitted on the application form is confidential and released only to the financial aid office at the campus(es) the student lists on the application form.​

Can I pay fees by installment? 

Yes. All CSU campuses offer either an installment payment fee plan or allow students to use a credit card to pay for fees.

Can I get help paying for the application fee? 

In case of financial hardship, campuses allow a limited number of undergraduate application fee waivers for residents of California. (Applicants to a graduate program are not eligible.) For students without lawful immigration status, who qualify for an AB540 nonresident tuition exception, fee waivers may also be available. If you file the admission application via Cal State Apply, the fee waiver request is included in the online system as part of the application process. You will be notified at the time you apply online if you qualify for the fee waiver. Only California residents are eligible for application fee waivers.

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Where can I find more financial aid information from the campus I plan to attend? 

Additional financial aid information is available on our Financial Aid FAQ page and directly from CSU campus financial aid offices. Visit the Financial Aid section on Calstate.edu for links to each campus’s financial aid office.​
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Support for Special Student Groups

What is the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)? 

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. The program provides admission and academic assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students. In many cases, the program also offers financial assistance to eligible students. Campuses tailor their programs to accommodate the needs of their student population.
 
Every CSU camp​us has an EOP for low-income undergraduate students who are California residents or qualify for an AB54​0 ​non-resident tuition exemption and are disadvantaged because of their economic and educational backgrounds.
 
EOP accepts students who do not meet regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular admission. Be sure to indicate on the undergraduate application for admission if you are applying through EOP and ensure you complete the supplemental EOP Application along with the two letters of recommendation by the deadline determined by the campus.
 
Note: The criteria for acceptance to the EOP program at the CSU are more restrictive than those of the Extended Opportunity Program & Services (EOP&S) program at California Community Colleges. Therefore, you may not be accepted to an EOP program at the CSU even though you may be an EOP&S student at a California Community College.
 
More information about the EOP program is available at Calstate.edu.

What services are available at the CSU for veterans? 

The California State University offers many services and opportunities to help veterans, active-duty service members and their families meet their personal and professional goals. The CSU is committed to providing:

  • supportive institutional values and administration;
  • academic support programs and services, such as veteran-focused advising, mentoring and counseling;
  • financial support and advice specifically for veterans;
  • priority registration for classes;
  • academic credit granted in General Education Area E for completion of Basic Training;
  • and extensive opportunities in student leadership.

If you’re on active duty, a veteran, or are a military spouse or family member with questions about completing your degree at the CSU, find out more at the Veterans section of Calstate.edu.

Which campuses have services for students with disabilities? 

Every CSU campus has services to assist students with a disability. The campus's Office of Services to Students with Disabilities provides educational support services to help students with documented physical, perceptual, psychological, or learning disabilities. Services may include registration assistance, campus orientation, disabled person parking, note takers, readers, sign language interpreters, test-taking assistance, supplemental assessment of learning disability, real-time captioning, transcription, disability-related counseling, assistive technology, and referral information. For additional information, contact the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities at the CSU campus you're interested in attending.

What services are available at CSU campuses for students who were or are currently foster youth? 

Comprehensive, holistic support services are available for current or former foster youth at all CSU campuses. Programs such as Guardian Scholars, Renaissance Scholars, CME Society, Promise Scholars, ACE Scholars and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) assist current or former foster youth with admissions, financial aid, housing, orientation, advisement, counseling, life skills, employment and career planning to ensure their success through graduation. For more information, visit the Foster Youth Programs section of Calstate.edu.​

I’d like to go back to college after a long hiatus. Where do I begin? 

Most CSU campuses provide admission assistance, personal counseling, and academic and career advising for those who are returning to college after a long  absence. Contact the campus re-entry office or the admissions office for additional information about these services.

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Glossary

Academic year: 

A period of time from the start of the fall semester or quarter, usually in September, but occasionally in August or October, and continuing through the completion of the spring semester or quarter, usually in May or June.

Articulation agreement: 

An official agreement in which one college agrees to accept specific courses or groups of courses from another college in place of its own courses.

Associate degree (AA, AS etc.): 

A degree granted by community colleges to students who complete a specified program of study, usually totaling 60 semester units. Associate degrees are awarded in arts and sciences and are sometimes called two-year degrees, in contrast to the four-year, or bachelor's degree, awarded by a university.

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): 

The California Community College (CCC)-Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program awards two-year Associate in Art for Transfer (AA-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees that are fully transferable to the CSU. Students who’ve earned an ADT degree are guaranteed priority admission to a CSU campus and can go on to earn a bachelor’s degree with only 120 units. Also called A Degree with a Guaran​​tee.

Baccalaureate (degree, program, etc.): 

A level of education marked by the completion of the equivalent of four or more years of full-time education (at least 124 semester units or 180 quarter units). The CSU, UC, and many private colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees. Baccalaureate level also refers to courses that meet requirements for the baccalaureate degree, also called a four-year or bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s (degree, program, etc.): 

Another term for the baccalaureate degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science).

California State University (CSU): 

A 23-campus, four-year university system of higher education largely funded by the state of California to grant baccalaureate, master’s and some doctoral degrees.

Catalog rights: 

A policy that allows, in certain circumstances, a college student to select the set of requirements he/she will follow to qualify for university graduation.

Certification: 

An official notice, either on the transcript or on a certification form, provided by a community college verifying that a transfer student has completed courses satisfying all or a portion of CSU lower-division general education requirements. Certified courses refers to community college courses that the community college has certified and that the CSU has agreed to accept as fulfilling its lower-division general education or American Institutions requirements.

Community college: 

Institution of higher education that awards associate (two-year) degrees and vocational certificates and that offers classes that can be transferred to a four-year college or university and applied toward a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree.

Continuous attendance: 

The act of remaining enrolled at an accredited college or university for at least one semester or two quarters in each calendar year; a requirement to retain catalog rights for a given year.

Electives: 

Courses that are not used to meet specific major, general education, or graduation requirements, but can be used to complete the total units required for a degree.

Freshman: 

Refers to the first year of study for an associate or bachelor’s degree. Students who have completed between one and 29 semester units (or one to 44 quarter units) are considered freshmen. Sometimes referred to as First-time Freshman (FTF).

General education: 

A program of courses in the arts and sciences that provides students with a broad educational experience. Courses typically are introductory in nature and teach students fundamental skills and knowledge in mathematics, English, arts, humanities, and the physical, biological, and social sciences. Transfer students often take these classes at a community college. Completion of a general education program is required for the baccalaureate degree.

General Education — Breadth Requirements: 

A specific program of courses that a student may use to fulfill CSU general education requirements for the baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree. Most of these courses may be taken at a community college or other accredited college or university prior to transfer to a CSU campus.

Grade point average (GPA): 

The average of all grades received in baccalaureate-level courses. For transfer students, grade point average refers to the average grade received in transferable units. Also called cumulative grade point average.

Graduation requirements: 

Units, courses, examinations, and/or academic programs students must complete to obtain a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree. Students must meet requirements for their major, general education, U.S. History, Constitution, American Ideals, and elective courses, as well as a minimum number of units.

Impacted: 

Refers to those majors and/or campuses that receive more qualified applications during the initial application filing period than there are spaces available. A major may be impacted on one campus, several campuses, or all campuses where it is offered.

Initial application filing period: 

A period of time in which applications for admission are accepted by CSU campuses. Applications to impacted programs of study must be filed during this period.

Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC): 

A program of courses that can be taken at a California Community College to satisfy all lower-division general education requirements at any CSU campus and most UC universities.

Junior: 

Refers to the third year of study for a bachelor’s degree. Students who have completed 60 to 89 semester units are considered juniors.

Lower division: 

Courses designed for the first two years or within the first 59 semester units of study toward a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree, often taken at a community college and transferred to a university. Also refers to freshman and sophomore students. Sometimes referred to as lower-division transfer (LDT).

Major: 

The subject area in which a student pursuing a college degree develops greatest depth of knowledge.

Master’s degree: 

A degree beyond the bachelor’s, also called a graduate degree. Master of Arts or Master of Science degrees are the most common, but there are also professional master’s degrees, such as the Master of Fine Arts or the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Program: 

A specified set of courses required to achieve a specific objective or degree, such as general education or major requirements.

Quarter: 

One type of term within an academic year, marking the beginning and end of classes. In the CSU, four campuses are on the quarter system. Each quarter is 10 weeks in length, and there are three quarters (fall, winter, spring) per academic year.

Returning student 

​An applicant who previously matriculated at a CSU campus, broke enrollment, and is now applying to the same or a different CSU campus.​

Semester: 

One type of term within an academic year marking the beginning and end of classes. In the CSU, 18 of the campuses are on the traditional semester system. Each semester is usually about 16 weeks and there are two semesters (fall and spring) in an academic year.

Senior: 

Refers to the final year of study for a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree. Students who have completed 90 or more semester units are considered seniors.

Sophomore: 

Refers to the second year of study for a bachelor’s degree. Sophomore level is usually attained by completing 30 to 59 semester units.

Term: 

A specific period of the year during which classes are in session. Examples include fall term and spring term.

Transfer units: 

Credit earned in courses that are transferable to the CSU or another college or university a student plans to attend.

Undergraduate (undergrad): 

An enrolled student who has not completed a baccalaureate degree; a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.

Unit: 

A measure of credit earned for course completion. A unit is based on the number of hours of instruction per week required in the classroom and/or lab or in independent study. A course earning three semester units will usually meet three hours a week. One quarter-unit is equal to two-thirds of one semester unit.

Upper division: 

Courses designed for the third and fourth (junior and senior) years of study toward a bachelor’s degree. These courses are not offered by community colleges, and they often require completion of prerequisite courses. Also refers to junior and senior students. Sometimes referred to as upper-division transfer (UDT).

Vocational: 

Refers to courses and programs that pertain to an occupation or are job-oriented, providing specific skills for a trade. Vocational units may not be transferable applicable to CSU programs.
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