California State University: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

California State University (CSU) is one of the largest and most diverse public university systems in the United States, comprising 23 campuses spread across California. Each campus offers a unique environment, from bustling urban centers to scenic coastal and rural locations.

With a broad array of degree programs and extracurricular activities, CSU promotes both academic and personal growth for its students. Here’s a closer look at major campuses:

• CSU Bakersfield: Only public university of its kind in a 100-mile radius, CSUB runs 45 undergrad programs, balancing sciences, business, and education with a focus on access and regional impact.
• CSU Chico: Home to 150+ hands-on academic programs, Chico State is recognized for integrating sustainability into both learning and campus life. Its long record of community partnerships strengthens real-world learning.
• Cal State Fullerton: A CSU flagship for student outcomes, Fullerton drives innovation in the classroom and research settings. Its emphasis on co-curricular learning shapes one of the most career-ready student bodies in the system.
• CSU Long Beach: One of the most applied-to campuses in the CSU system, CSULB combines academic depth with affordability. It’s also a major talent pipeline for industries like design, tech, and education.
• CSU Monterey Bay: CSUMB stands out for small class sizes and a strong liberal arts core. Service learning is embedded in the curriculum, and many programs intersect with environmental and marine studies.

With a sense of CSU’s geographic and academic breadth, let’s examine how the university fares in national and global rankings.

California State University (CSU) is recognized for its academic excellence and social mobility, with several campuses featuring in top national and global rankings. Cal State Los Angeles holds a QS World University rank of 1401+, while Cal State Fullerton is ranked #1067 globally by U.S. News and 136th nationally.

Below is a table summarizing major global rankings for CSU in 2024/25:

Beyond overall rankings, it’s equally important to examine how specific programs stand out on the national and international stage.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

California State University courses shine in U.S. News: its Master’s in Software Engineering and Environmental Engineering (ME) is ranked #4 in California and the Top 30 nationally. At the same time, its online MS in Information Technology program ranked #3 in-state and within the Top 51 nationally in 2025.

To better understand how CSU subjects perform internationally, here’s a look at global course-wise rankings:

Recognizing the university’s academic strengths, prospective students naturally wonder what it takes to join these top-ranked programs.

Freshman requirements

• 2.50 or more ‘a-g’ GPA
• Any California school graduate or resident of California acquiring a GPA of 2.00 0r 2.49 is eligible for consideration.
•  Non- California residents need a GPA of 3.00 along with other factors.
• A non-California school graduate is considered at 2.49 or 2.99 GPA
• Household income
• Extracurricular and leadership involvement
• Educational programme participation in high school

• Graduation from high school along with receipt of an education diploma.
• Grades in high school.

California State University offers over 4,100 undergraduate and graduate programs. These range across fields like business, engineering, health sciences, computer science, liberal arts, and education.

Many of these programs are industry-aligned, and several carry STEM designations, giving international students the benefit of extended OPT eligibility. Programs are delivered in full-time, part-time, online, and hybrid formats, depending on the campus. Some of the standout programs available at different CSU campuses include:

• M.S. in Computer Science (CSU Fullerton): Emphasizes scalable systems, cloud computing, and intelligent computing, supported by faculty with direct ties to Southern California's tech industry.
• B.S. in Civil Engineering (CSU Sacramento): Combines classroom instruction with regional infrastructure projects, focusing on seismic design, urban drainage systems, and construction management.
• MBA (CSU Los Angeles): Includes core business modules with options in entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. Offered in flexible formats for professionals balancing work and study.
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering (CSU Bakersfield): Focuses on circuit design, embedded systems, and renewable energy technology. Offers access to regional energy sector partnerships.
• M.S. in Data Analytics (CSU East Bay): Developed with employer input, this program trains students in data wrangling, machine learning fundamentals, and communication of insights to stakeholders.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (CSU Chico): Focuses on applied mechanics, sustainable manufacturing, and systems integration, with senior design projects grounded in local industry needs.

Choosing a program is just the start; understanding the associated costs is equally essential for planning your education.

Program Fees at California State University

Tuition across all California State University campuses is determined by the CSU Board of Trustees, ensuring consistency and affordability throughout the system. Undergraduate students enrolled full-time (in six or more units) pay $6,084 (INR 5.2L) annually, while part-time students pay $3,528 (INR 3L). Below is a breakdown of average tuition fees at CSU:

Beyond tuition, several other expenses shape the true cost of studying at CSU. Let’s break down these factors in detail.

Studying in the USA at California State University is significantly more affordable than many U.S. universities, with systemwide tuition and fees set by the CSU Board of Trustees. While each campus adds its mandatory fees, CSU remains one of the most cost-effective public university systems in the U.S., and only 36% of students graduate with any debt.

Let’s explore the detailed cost of studying in the USA below:

A closer look at living expenses reveals how daily life and budgeting can vary across campuses and student lifestyles.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the USA for students at California State University varies by campus and housing choice, but average annual expenses can be estimated using official CSU data for the 2024-25 academic year.

These averages account for accommodation in the USA, food, books, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses across multiple CSU campuses. Below is a table summarizing the average annual cost of living for a CSU student:

Note:

• Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.
• Actual costs may vary by location, housing type, and individual lifestyle.

To help offset these costs, a wide range of scholarships is available, making CSU more accessible to talented students from all backgrounds.

Over 80% of students at California State University receive financial aid, and nearly 60% pay no tuition at all. The university offers internal scholarships based on merit, financial need, and program-specific criteria for both undergraduate and graduate students.

External funding sources also support many students, helping to reduce total education costs beyond tuition alone. Now, let's explore some essential internal and external scholarships that students can take advantage of.

Internal Scholarships

California State University offers a range of internal scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Notable examples include the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students.

Some key internal scholarships include:

After reviewing internal opportunities, it’s equally valuable to consider the array of external, fully funded scholarships in the USA that can further support your studies.

External Scholarships

CSU students, including international applicants, can also benefit from external scholarships. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides full funding, including tuition, living expenses, and travel, for international graduate students pursuing research or study in the U.S.

Below is a table summarizing key external scholarships:

With funding options covered, the next logical step is to examine how CSU prepares graduates for successful careers and job placements.

California State University (CSU) is a key contributor to California's and the nation's workforce, annually producing career-ready graduates across its campuses. Conferring over 125,000 degrees yearly, CSU prepares nearly 127,000 graduates for the workforce.

The system is known for its commitment to social mobility, serving over 460,000 diverse students and maintaining affordable tuition rates. The CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 shows significant progress in student outcomes. Highlights include:

• Over 125,000 degrees are awarded annually across the CSU system, enhancing the state's talent pool.
• The four-year graduation rate for first-time students increased significantly from 19% (2015) to 35% (2023), with a target of 40% by 2025, showcasing improved student support.
• The six-year graduation rate has risen to 62% (2023), up from 57% in 2015, aiming for 70% by 2025, reflecting long-term student success.
• Transfer students achieve strong outcomes, with 44.2% graduating in two years and 75.6% in four years (2023), highlighting effective transfer support programs.
• Individual CSU campuses report high rates of post-graduation employment and continued education, demonstrating career readiness.
• CSU graduates are employed across a wide range of industries and frequently pursue postgraduate education, expanding their expertise and career prospects.

To better understand the career options after graduation, available to CSU graduates, it’s valuable to look at the top companies and organizations that actively recruit from the university. These employers play an important role in shaping the professional journeys of CSU students across multiple industries.

Top recruiters

California State University graduates, including both undergraduates and postgraduates, have successfully secured positions across a wide range of industries. This reflects the university’s strong ties with employers and its emphasis on career readiness. Some of the top recruiters for CSU graduates include:

• Deloitte: Hires from CSU’s business, analytics, and IT programs for roles in risk analysis, tech consulting, and operational strategy across U.S. offices.
• Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison): Recruits engineering and environmental science graduates to support grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and power distribution projects.
• KPMG: Engages accounting, finance, and business majors for positions in audit, tax advisory, and compliance consulting, reflecting CSU’s strong pipeline in corporate services.
• DreamWorks Animation: Selects graduates in animation, digital media, and production arts for roles in storyboarding, visual effects, and digital asset management.
• UPS: Targets logistics, industrial engineering, and operations management students for leadership tracks in supply chain strategy and distribution planning.
• Sherwin-Williams: Offers roles in R&D, production, and B2B sales to graduates in chemistry, chemical engineering, and business disciplines, aligned with the company’s focus on scalable innovation.

Of course, university life isn’t just about academics and careers; let’s explore what it’s like to be part of the lively CSU student community.

Student life at California State University plays a key role in shaping the college experience beyond academics. With student organizations across its 23 campuses, CSU offers something for nearly every interest.

It’s through these opportunities that students often make the most of their university experience, both inside and outside the classroom. From leadership programs to cultural clubs and wellness initiatives, students find space to grow, connect, and contribute. Here’s a look at student life at CSU:

• Clubs & Organizations:
  • CSUF (Fullerton) hosts over 300 clubs spanning academic, cultural, athletic, faith, and service interests.
  • At Monterey Bay, students can choose from 75 clubs, 15 sports clubs, plus 10 fraternities and sororities.
  • Sacramento State offers involvement in more than 250 student clubs and organizations.
• Greek Life & Leadership:
  • Several CSU campuses host fraternities and sororities that emphasize leadership, philanthropy, and community service (e.g., 10 at CSUMB).
  • Student government, leadership academies, and mentorship programs are available systemwide.
• Sports, Recreation & Wellness:
  • Sports clubs include traditional and non‑traditional options (e.g., martial arts, ultimate frisbee) at campuses like Monterey Bay.
  • Most campuses have fitness centers, intramural sports, and wellness initiatives supporting mental and physical health.
• Student Support & Services:
• CSU campuses, like Cal State LA, offer platforms for well‑being (WellBeingU), food pantries, emergency housing, counseling, tutoring, and career development.
• Offices such as Student Leadership & Engagement at CSU San Bernardino advise over 140 clubs and support the development of leadership skills.

The impact of the CSU experience is perhaps best reflected in its alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve remarkable success.

California State University (CSU) has a worldwide alumni network of over 4 million graduates, making a significant impact across a wide range of industries and communities.

The CSU alumni community is active in mentorship, networking, and leadership, with members recognized for their achievements in government, science, arts, sports, and business. Some notable alumni from various CSU campuses include:

To put all this in perspective, let’s compare CSU with other prominent universities, helping you decide which institution best fits your goals.

Selecting the right university is a critical decision for your academic and professional journey. California State University (CSU), University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), and University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) each offer distinct strengths in terms of rankings, tuition, academic offerings, and graduate outcomes.

For instance, CSU offers the lowest tuition fee (UG: $6,084 or INR 5.2L and PG: $7,062 or INR 6L) among the three, making it a strong value choice for students studying in California. 

Here’s a detailed comparison of all these universities:

While each university has its merits, California State University stands out for its affordability, course variety, and strong graduate support, making it a solid choice for students aiming for both quality and value.