California State University - San Bernardino: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

CSUSB offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university follows a semester-based system, giving you flexibility in course selection. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 27.5:1, CSUSB emphasizes interactive learning through research projects, internships, and faculty-led workshops.

Below, you will find the major academic areas available at CSUSB that help shape diverse career paths.

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) – Includes computer science, data analytics, and engineering disciplines.
• Business and Management – Covers business administration, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
• Social Sciences – Includes psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and public administration.
• Humanities and Arts – Offers courses in literature, philosophy, history, visual and performing arts.
• Health and Human Services – Covers nursing, kinesiology, social work, and health science.
• Education – Includes teacher training, special education, and educational leadership.
• Communication and Media – Offers studies in journalism, communication, and media production.
• Environmental and Earth Sciences – Programs in geography, environmental studies, and geology.

Understanding CSUSB’s intake structure can help you plan your application effectively. Below, you will find details about available intake sessions.

Program Fees of California State University San Bernardino

Tuition fees at CSUSB vary depending on the level and type of program. International students pay a different fee structure, which includes additional charges of $420 (INR 36,270) beyond base tuition.

Below is a breakdown of estimated annual tuition and fees for international students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

Program	Tuition & Fees for International Students in $	Tuition & Fees for International Students in INR
Undergraduate	$19,179	INR 16,56,218
Graduate	$15,465	INR 13,35,493
MBA/MSA/MS IST/MSEI	$19,101	INR 16,49,483
Doctorate	$20,697	INR 17,87,307

Note: Tuition fees are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult CSUSB's official Tuition & Fees page.

Also Read: Study in the USA from India

Understanding how the university ranks nationally and within various disciplines can give you a clearer picture of its academic standing.

Rankings help assess a university’s reputation, academic quality, and research impact. California State University, San Bernardino, is ranked #171 among national universities and holds a strong position in various disciplines. 

Here are the rankings of CSU San Bernardino: 

Ranking Type	Position
The U.S. News & Reports National Rankings 2025	#171
The U.S. News & Reports Top Public Schools rankings 2025	#92
The U.S. News & Reports Best Value School 2025	#48

Curious about how CSUSB stacks up across different programs and national charts? Dive into the full breakdown on our detailed CSUSB rankings page. 

Top Course Wise Ranking 2024/2025

CSUSB’s subject rankings highlight its strengths in programs like engineering and business administration. It ranks at #78 position nationally for Engineering programs in U.S News & Reports rankings 2025. Here’s the detailed breakdown of course-wise rankings:

Subject	Ranking Body	Ranking
Engineering Programs	U.S News & Reports Rankings 2025	78
Criminal Justice (National Rankings)	U.S News & Reports Rankings 2025	46
MBA	U.S News & Reports Rankings 2025	135

Curious about where CSUSB stands in your chosen field? Check CSUSB rankings for a detailed breakdown of rankings by subject.

Also Read: Top Universities for Masters in USA: Fees, Scholarships, & More

Now that you know where CSUSB stands nationally subject-wise, let’s explore its admission requirements and deadlines.

CSUSB has a 90% acceptance rate, making higher education accessible to a diverse student body. Out of 17,900 students, 3% are international. The majority of the student population identifies as Hispanic (69.6%), followed by White (9.9%), Asian (5.6%), and African American (5.4%) students—reflecting the rich ethnic makeup of the Inland Empire region.

CSUSB has a faculty-to-student ratio of 27.5:1, making it easier for students to access faculty support, academic guidance, and personalized learning.

Admission requirements vary by program, and applicants must meet specific deadlines for Fall and Spring intakes. Let’s take a closer look at them in the following section.

Admission Requirements

To secure admission at CSUSB, you must meet academic and language proficiency requirements. Undergraduate and graduate programs have different criteria, and international students may need additional documents.

Here are all the details: 

Admission Criteria	Undergraduate Applicants	Graduate Applicants
Academic Qualifications	High school diploma or equivalent  Minimum GPA of 2.5 (77-79%)	Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution  Minimum GPA of 2.5 (77-79%) in the last degree or last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted
Language Qualifications (Minimum Scores Required)	TOEFL iBT: 61  IELTS: 5.5  Duolingo: 95  Completion of CSUSB's English Language Program Level 3	TOEFL iBT: 79  IELTS: 6.0 Duolingo: 105  PTE: 53  Completion of CSUSB's English Language Program Level 4
Competitive Exams	SAT or ACT scores are optional but may enhance the application	GRE or GMAT scores may be required depending on the program. For example, the MS in Business Data Analytics requires:  GMAT: Minimum score of 470  GRE: Minimum score of 298 Some programs may waive test requirements.
Visa Requirements	Obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa Maintain full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 units per term	Obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa Maintain full-time enrollment of 6 units per term minimum.

Note: Specific programs may have additional requirements. Applicants are advised to consult the official CSUSB admissions website or contact the admissions office for detailed information.

Want to know more about CSUSB’s admission process? Visit upGrad’s CSUSB admission page for detailed entry requirements and eligibility guidelines.

Application Dates, Deadlines and Intakes

CSUSB follows a semester-based calendar with Fall and Spring intakes. Submitting applications on time is crucial to securing a spot in your preferred program.

Here are the details of the deadlines:

Intakes	Application Opens	Application Deadline (Both Undergrad and Graduates)	Document Deadline
Fall 2025	October 1, 2024	June 1, 2025*	June 30, 2025
Spring 2026	August 1, 2025	November 1, 2025*	November 30, 2025
Fall 2026	October 1, 2025	June 1, 2026*	June 30, 2026

Note: Application periods may vary based on specific programs or applicant categories. It's advisable to consult the official CSUSB admissions website or contact the admissions office for the most current information.

Unsure about important dates or deadlines? Head to upGrad’s CSUSB admission page for a clear timeline and step-by-step application guidance.

Once you're clear about the admission requirements and deadlines, the next step is understanding the financial commitment involved.

Here's a detailed look at the cost of studying at California State University San Bernardino in 2025.

Studying at CSUSB involves application fees of $70 (INR 6,000), tuition fees, academic supplies, and other university-related expenses. Plus, International students have additional charges of $420 (INR 36,270) beyond standard tuition.

Additionally, students are required to pay $86 (INR 7,400)) for the Orientation Mandatory Fee, $205 (INR 17,600) for the Orientation Student Services Fee and $4 (INR 344) for the enrollment verification fee.

Below, you will find the estimated tuition fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs at CSUSB in 2025.

Program	Tuition Fees (USD)	Tuition Fees (INR)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art	$18,000	INR 1,547,000
Master of Science (MS) in Business Data Analytics	$36,000	INR 3,108,000
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	$52,934 - $61,398	INR 45,71,160 - INR 53,02,076

Understanding tuition costs is just one part of financial planning. You also need to budget for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses while studying at CSUSB.

Living expenses depend on whether you choose on-campus or off-campus housing. Costs also vary based on lifestyle, dining preferences, and additional personal expenses. 

Below, you will find a breakdown of expected living expenses for CSUSB students.

Category	Amount in $	Amount in INR
Living Expenses	$18,672	INR 16,12,436
Book & Supplies	$840	INR 72,538
Transportation	$2,795	INR 2,41,364
Health Insurance*	$1,743	INR 1,50,518
Personal Expenses	$3,902	INR 2,15,000

Also Refer: Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: A Complete Guide

Tuition and living expenses can add up, but scholarships and financial aid options can help reduce your costs. CSUSB offers several scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other eligibility criteria. Let’s explore them.

CSUSB provides scholarships to help students manage tuition and living costs. The university announced to distribute more than $100,000 (INR 86L) in scholarships in the academic year 2024-2025. In 2024, CSUSB had awarded scholarships to more than 50 deserving students. 

To understand the scholarships offered by CSUSB, start by exploring the university’s internal funding opportunities.

Internal Scholarships

CSUSB awards internal scholarships to students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership skills, or financial need. Some scholarships are automatically considered upon admission, while others require a separate application.

Below, you will find the details of internal scholarships available for CSUSB students in 2025.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Benefits
President's Academic Excellence Scholarship (PAES)	Merit-Based	Covers full tuition, books, and a stipend; renewable for up to four academic years.
Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship	Merit and Service-Based	Awards of $3,900 (INR 336,687) each to CSUSB Palm Desert Campus students with a minimum 3.25 GPA and a commitment to community service.
Athena Fund Scholarship	Merit-Based	Provides a $3,600 (INR 310,788) scholarship to any CSUSB Palm Desert Campus student with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
City of Palm Desert Karnig Academic Excellence Scholarship	Merit-Based	Offers a $10,000 (INR 863,300) scholarship to high-achieving undergraduate students enrolled full-time at the Palm Desert Campus with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
University Legacy Scholarship	Merit and Need-Based	Provides up to $7,425 (INR 641,274) per year for up to four years to first-time freshmen entering each fall at the Palm Desert Campus, based on academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need.

Apart from university-funded scholarships, many organizations offer financial aid to students pursuing higher education at CSUSB. These external scholarships can further help reduce your education expenses.

External Scholarships

External scholarships come from government agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. In Fall 2024, 63% of the students were from Pell Grant. Below, you will find external scholarship options available for CSUSB students.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Benefits
Gilman Scholarship	Need-Based	Awards up to $5,000 (INR 4,31,650) for Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students Additional $3,000 (INR 2,58,990) for studying critical need languages.
Boren Awards	Merit-Based	Awards up to $8,000 (INR 690,640) for summer STEM students and up to $24,000 (INR 2,071,920) for 12-month programs.
FastWEB Scholarship Search	Search Engine	Provides access to a searchable database of more than 275,000 private sector scholarships.
Scholarships.com	Search Engine	Offers a free college scholarship search and financial aid information.

Securing a scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of your education, but financial planning does not stop there.

Exploring additional financial aid options, such as grants, student loans, and work-study programs, can further support your educational journey. After graduation, CSUSB offers placement support to help students launch successful careers.

CSUSB prepares students for the job market through internships, career workshops, and employer networking events. Its CACREP program had a job placement rate of 100% for the year 2024. The university's Career Center assists students with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. 

Below, you will find key placement details, including employment rates, average salaries, and industries hiring CSUSB graduates.

• Comprehensive Career Support: The CSUSB Career Center is dedicated to promoting a comprehensive career readiness skill set that aligns with the global market. 
• Alumni Salary Growth: According to CSU data, CSUSB graduates earned a median of $41,992 (INR 34,96,376) two years after graduation, $56,769 (INR 47,28,402) after five years, $68,780 (INR 57,31,270) after ten years, and $85,134 (INR 70,97,038) after fifteen years. Recent SMI data shows the current early career median salary stands at $44,500 (INR 37,04,810), consistent with graduate feedback.
• Career Exploration Tools: The Career Center provides resources such as FOCUS 2, O*NET, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook to assist students in exploring majors and career options. ​
• Job Creation: CSUSB's operations sustain more than 2,000 jobs in the region and 4,700 statewide, highlighting the university's role in supporting employment opportunities. ​
• On-Campus Positions: CSUSB offers various on-campus employment opportunities for students, including student assistant positions and federal work-study roles. These positions provide valuable work experience and can enhance students' resumes. ​
• Economic Contributions: Nearly $1.2 billion of the earnings by CSUSB alumni are attributable to their CSU degrees, creating an additional $2 billion of industry activity throughout the state each year. ​

Landing a job after graduation also depends on the companies that actively recruit from the university. CSUSB maintains partnerships with top employers across multiple industries.

Top Recruiters

Several well-known companies hire CSUSB graduates, offering roles in finance, technology, government, and retail. Many students also secure positions in state agencies and educational institutions.

Below, you will find some of the top recruiters hiring CSUSB graduates.

• Amazon
• Wells Fargo
• County of San Bernardino
• Bank of America
• Google
• San Bernardino City Unified School District
• Esri
• Microsoft
• Kaiser Permanente
• Target
• Riverside County Office of Education
• Inland Empire Health Plan

With strong placement support, growing alumni outcomes, and ties to top recruiters, CSUSB ensures students are career-ready from day one.

Now, take a closer look at the campus environment that supports this success.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), offers a vibrant student life that promotes personal growth, wellness, and leadership development. Ranked No. 3 nationally for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal, CSUSB demonstrates a strong commitment to student success.

Below, you will find key aspects of student life that shape the CSUSB experience.

• Diverse Student Organizations: CSUB features over 100 student organizations and clubs, including academic, cultural, religious, service, and political groups.
• Student Union: The Student Union serves as a hub for student activities, offering a comfortable space for meetings, events, and relaxation. 
• Office of Student Involvement: This office supports student clubs and organizations, promoting active participation and leadership development. 
• NCAA Division I Athletics: CSUB's athletic teams, known as the Roadrunners, compete in NCAA Division I, primarily in the Big West Conference. 
• Men's Basketball: The team has achieved significant success, including participation in the NCAA Division I Tournament. 
• Attention to Affordability: CSUSB's commitment to affordability is noteworthy. Ranked among the top schools for affordability, quality education, and student outcomes, the university earned a 4.5-star rating from Money Magazine in 2024. This recognition underscores the value CSUSB offers to its students
• Baseball: Established in 2009, the baseball team won the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Championship in 2015, earning its first NCAA Regional appearance. 
• Women's Volleyball: The team has a history of success, including winning the 1989 NCAA Division II National Championship and competing in NCAA Division I tournaments.

The university has also produced several notable alumni who have excelled in their fields and contributed to their communities. Let’s take a closer look.

CSUSB graduates have gone on to build successful careers in politics, education, business, media, and public service. With 67,000 alumni, many have held leadership roles in government, founded organizations, or contributed to regional development in Southern California.

Below, you will find a list of notable alumni who represent the university’s academic and professional reach.column:

Name	Field of Work	Notable Contributions
Anthony Adams	Politics	Served in the California State Assembly representing the 59th district.
Wilmer Amina Carter	Politics	Authored education-related bills and supported youth programs in California.
Paul Cook	Politics	U.S. Representative for California's 8th congressional district; military veteran.
Sandra Finan	Military	Held leadership roles in the U.S. Air Force; expert in nuclear command and control.
Jimmy Alapag	Sports (Basketball)	Former captain of the Philippine national basketball team; PBA legend.
Ernest Chavez	Sports (Mixed Martial Arts)	Competed in the UFC as a lightweight mixed martial artist.
James Cotton	Sports (Basketball)	Played in the NBA for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Alida Gray	Sports (Judo and MMA)	Represented the USA in international judo and competed in MMA events.
Ivan Johnson	Sports (Basketball)	Played professionally in the NBA and various international basketball leagues.
Sharon Jordan	Entertainment (Acting)	Featured in several TV shows and films; active in community theatre.
Isabel Quintero	Literature (Author)	Known for the award-winning novel Gabi, a Girl in Pieces.
Frank Zane	Bodybuilding	Three-time Mr. Olympia winner and fitness industry icon.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and represents a selection of notable alumni from CSUSB.