California State University campus
California State University logo

California State

University

Country :

USA

Founded :

1857

Address :

Chancellor's Office, 401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802

California State University Overview

The California State University (CSU) is the top public university that offers four-year undergraduate courses. The institution was established in 1960 under the Donahoe Higher Education Act. Its history dates back to 1857, when its oldest campus was founded in San José State. Though the university operates from the main campus in Long Beach, it spans 23 campuses across the state, from San Diego to Humboldt. It has a student strength of more than 460,000. CSU declares itself as the most culturally and academically diverse institution in the whole nation.

The university focuses more on bachelor's degrees and prepares around 60% of California's teachers and about 40% of its engineering graduates. A significant part of the country’s workforce in business, health, communications and public administration is provided by CSU. It is well-known for offering lower tuition fees compared to other American universities of similar repute. Moreover, 80% of students receive some or other kind of financial aid, which helps them reduce their overall cost of studies. If you are someone looking forward to study in USA, CSU can certainly be at the top of your list.

Foundation Year: 1960

California State University Rankings

CSU runs on a high-value system and economic mobility. Besides, it consistently tops national lists on those measures. Individual campuses, such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State, are also regularly placed among US News' best public universities. Together, the 23 campuses make CSU one of the most cost-effective and outcome-driven public systems in the country.

QS
QS World Ranking
1401 (Cal State LA)
U
U.S News & World Report
13 among Regional Universities
QS
QS National Ranking
201-250

Top Courses at California State University

At California State University, courses are designed focusing on subjects like Anthropology, Child and Adolescent Development, Communication Studies, and Educational Technology. At both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the university offers extensive academic and practical exposure. Here are the course durations and approximate fees below.

B.A. in Anthropology


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
USD 17538

B.A. in Biology


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
USD 17538

B.A. in Chemistry


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
USD 17538

B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
USD 17538

B.A. in Cinema and Television Arts


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
USD 17538

Students studying together

California State University Admission Process

The admission process for California State University is not complicated; you just have to meet certain requirements to ensure a smooth admission. They have separate requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Step 1
Free 1:1 Counselling Session

Free 1:1 Counselling Session

Discuss your profile, budget and career orientation with our expert counsellor. Our counsellors will discuss your profile and the university with you honestly and transparently.
Step 2
Profile Evaluation

Profile Evaluation

Following the counselling session, our team will review your academic records, English proficiency scores and work experience. This step is important to match you with the right course and to showcase your strengths.
Step 3
Application Assistance

Application Assistance

Our team will then assist you in preparing all the required documents, be it a Statement of Purpose or other supporting documents. We also ensure that you submit your application accurately and on time.
Step 4
Offer Letter & Admission

Offer Letter & Admission

After the university accepts your application, you will receive an offer letter or, in some cases, a provisional offer. After that, you will have to pay an enrollment amount to reserve your seat.
Step 5
Visa Procedure

Visa Procedure

Next, we shall help you to collect all necessary financial and academic documents. We fully assist with I-20 issuance, SEVIS fees and F-1 student visa preparation.
Step 6
Pre-Departure Support

Pre-Departure Support

Our help will continue until you settle in your dream destination. We assist with booking flights, arranging accommodation, learning about the USA banking and health care system, and getting ready for life in a new city.

Return on Investment (ROI)

CSU is constantly marked as one of the high-value public institutions in the US. It combines lower tuition fees with generous aid. It received the first position on Third Way's 2024 Economic Mobility Index. Hence, students recover their average annual tuition cost within a year of post-graduation, with a starting salary of about $60,000 a year.

Field of WorkJob TitleAverage Salary - per year, approx.
B.A. in AnthropologyAnthropologist / Archaeological Field Technician$65,000
B.A. in BiologyBiological Technician / Research Assistant$58,000
B.A. in ChemistryChemist / Quality Control Chemist$72,000
B.A. in Child and Adolescent DevelopmentChild Development Specialist / Family Services Coordinator$55,000
B.A. in Cinema and Television ArtsVideo Producer / Film Editor / Production Coordinator$70,000
M.A. in AnthropologyResearch Anthropologist / Museum Curator$82,000
M.A. in ArtArt Director / Visual Arts Educator$88,000
M.A. in Communication StudiesCorporate Communications Manager$92,000
M.A. in Educational TechnologyInstructional Designer / Learning Experience Designer$90,000
M.A. in Higher Education LeadershipStudent Affairs Director / Academic Program Manager$95,000

Salary figures are indicative estimates based on graduate outcomes, industry surveys, and available employment data. True pay may vary with experience, location, and designation.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships

  • California State University International Student Scholarship
  • CSU Foundation Scholarships
  • Graduate Equity Fellowship Program
  • Departmental & Merit-Based Scholarships
  • External Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships
  • California State University International Student Scholarship
  • CSU Foundation Scholarships
  • Graduate Equity Fellowship Program
  • Departmental & Merit-Based Scholarships
  • External Scholarships for International Students

Requirements

  • Hold an offer for an eligible CSU program.
  • Meet the required academic criteria.
  • Submit scholarship applications before the deadline.
  • Fulfil English language admission requirements.
  • Meet any scholarship-specific eligibility criteria
Requirements
  • Hold an offer for an eligible CSU program.
  • Meet the required academic criteria.
  • Submit scholarship applications before the deadline.
  • Fulfil English language admission requirements.
  • Meet any scholarship-specific eligibility criteria

Campus Locator

Explore Campus Locator to know about California State University's 23 campuses across the state, from San Diego to Humboldt. The locator works in real time and shows 3D building layouts for each campus. This will help you get a clear idea of the specific CSU location you're applying to before you arrive physically.

Frequently asked Questions

The systemwide headquarters is at 401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, California 90802, overseeing all 23 individual CSU campuses.

Over 460,000 students are enrolled system-wide, making CSU the largest four-year public university system in the United States by enrollment.

Yes, CSU offers multiple transfer pathways, including guarantees for students completing 60+ transferable units in good academic standing at a community college.

Yes, more than 80% of CSU students receive some kind of financial aid, and nearly 4 among 5 applicants pays zero tuition fee.

Business, Engineering, Nursing and Education some of the strongest areas taught at the university. CSU prepares about 60% of California's teachers and 40% of its engineering graduates.

Yes, international students can apply through Cal State Apply and receive support with I-20 issuance, SEVIS fees and F-1 student visa preparation.

For both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees, the tuition fees ranges between $16,500 - 17,500.

CSU was established in 1960 under the Donahoe Higher Education Act. However, its oldest campus, San José State, dates back to 1857.

Generally, students apply through Cal State Apply, an online application that can be sent to multiple CSU campuses at once. It charges $70 fee per campus.

From San Diego State in the south to Humboldt, CSU has 23 campuses across California, in the northern part of the USA. There are several off-campus centres as well across the state.

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