Go From Here.

The CSU unlocks opportunity with
affordable degrees that lead to careers.

The CSU: What You’re Searching For.

Is college affordable for me?

More than half of CSU students graduate debt-free. See how financial aid can get you to a four-year degree without the burden of loans.

Will it get me career-ready?

With over 4,000 degree programs built for the real world, the CSU prepares you for the job you want.

What advantages does it offer?

Every CSU major provides real, hands-on experience because the best learning happens by doing. Explore programs and see which major is right for you.

Is it the right place for me?

From student clubs to campus events, there’s a place for you at any of the CSU’s 22 campuses. Explore campus life and discover where you’ll feel right at home.

One Application,
22 Campuses

Fall applications are open. Start your journey
with just one application.

Create your account.
Choose your application term, the campuses that inspire you, and keep track of everything in one place.

Select Your Campuses and Programs.
With one application, you can apply to multiple CSU campuses and keep your options open.

Fill Out and Submit your application.
Upload the required documents for each campus—such as transcripts or test scores, if needed. We’ll guide you through every step. It’s simple: no essays, no test scores for most applicants.

Admission decision!
The big moment has arrived! Once campuses review your application, you’ll hear directly from them with an admission decision and your next steps.

Find Your Way.

Learn more

Wherever you are, the journey starts here.

First-Time Freshman
Start your CSU journey here.

Transfer Students
The CSU makes transferring simple.

Graduate Students
Take your next big step with a CSU graduate program.

International
Study in California, join a global community at the CSU.

Teaching Credential
Earn your teaching credential and shape the future.

Still have questions?

All FAQs

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.

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

The 22* 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.

*Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly and Cal Maritime integrating)—official Fall 2026.

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 ASSIST.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 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.

What 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 22* campuses of the CSU and to help narrow your choices.

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