California State University-Channel Islands

89.7%Acceptance

$6,817Tuition

5,230Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,152Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Channel Islands

Cal State Channel Islands represents the California State University system's newest addition, having opened its doors in 2002. The 5,230 students attend classes on a former psychiatric hospital campus that's been transformed into a modern university in Camarillo's rural setting. This public full university has built its reputation around small class sizes and accessibility, with an 89.65% acceptance rate welcoming students who might struggle to get into more selective California schools. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names.

Students pay an average net price of $9,792 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in California higher education. Nearly half of students (46.90%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $62,152 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of just $15,000. The monthly loan payment of $159 is manageable compared to the earnings potential.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (60.08%) and female (65.56%), with 99.53% of students coming from California. About 55% of students graduate within four years, and the 92.2% employment rate shows that Dolphins find work after college, even if the path takes longer than at more established universities.

Academics & Faculty

Channel Islands operates as a public full university within the California State University system, focusing on undergraduate education with strong support systems. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personalized attention than many larger state schools. However, the 53.50% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees on time. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and interdisciplinary programs, reflecting its relatively recent founding in 2002. Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty accessibility, though academic outcomes vary. The school serves a largely local population, with 99.53% of students coming from California, creating a tight-knit campus community focused on regional workforce development.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.5%
Retention Rate: 72.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,152
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$89,613
Biotechnology.	Master	$78,785
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$73,635
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$64,990
Economics.	Bachelor	$58,221
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$47,260
Natural Resources Management and Policy.	Bachelor	$42,712
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$40,034
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$38,289
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$35,420

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at Cal State Channel Islands centers around its modern facilities built on a former psychiatric hospital site. With housing for 1,528 students and total enrollment of 5,230, about 29% of students live on campus. The rural-fringe setting sits roughly 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, offering a quieter college experience while keeping the city accessible for internships and entertainment.

Students enjoy year-round mild weather that rarely requires heavy coats but definitely calls for sunscreen during California's sunny days. The student body is 65.56% women and 60.08% Hispanic, creating a diverse community where nearly all students (99.53%) come from in-state. Weekends often involve beach trips to nearby Ventura County coastline or exploring the surrounding agricultural valleys. As one of the CSU system's newest universities, founded in 2002, the campus lacks deep-rooted traditions but allows students to create their own culture. The Dolphins compete in athletics, though the focus remains heavily academic with strong employment outcomes showing 92.2% of graduates finding work.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 1,528 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	13	6
Domestic Violence	7	6
Rape	4	4
Fondling	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–68°F
July Avg: 60°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at this young Cal State campus, reflecting strong programs in education, health sciences, and social work. Hispanic students comprise 60% of enrollment, making this one of the most diverse campuses in the CSU system. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students from working families. With 99% of students from California, Channel Islands has built a reputation as a regional destination for Ventura County residents seeking affordable, accessible higher education close to home.

Men: 34.4%
Women: 65.6%
White: 23.2%
Black: 2.2%
Hispanic: 60.1%
Asian: 6.5%
In-State Students: 99.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.9%

Location

California State University-Channel Islands sits in Camarillo, about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The campus occupies former state hospital grounds in Ventura County's agricultural heartland. Students find themselves between the Pacific Coast and rolling hills dotted with strawberry fields and citrus groves. Nearly all students come from within California, with 99.53% claiming in-state residency. The rural-fringe setting offers a quieter alternative to urban campuses while keeping major cities within driving distance. Santa Barbara lies 45 minutes north, while Malibu beaches are just 30 minutes south. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California State University-Channel Islands with similar schools in the region.

Address: Camarillo, California 93012

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,152
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,983
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Channel Islands?

California State University-Channel Islands accepts 89.65% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. As one of the newest universities in the CSU system founded in 2002, it maintains a welcoming admissions approach while building its academic reputation.

How much does California State University-Channel Islands cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,792 annually after financial aid, with 46.90% receiving Pell Grants. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,077 per year, making this rural campus one of the more affordable options in California.

What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University-Channel Islands?

The campus maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio with 5,230 total students enrolled. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention compared to larger CSU campuses, supporting students through close faculty mentorship.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at California State University-Channel Islands?

About 55% of students graduate within four years, with graduates earning a median salary of $62,152 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 92.2%, demonstrating strong job market preparation despite the university's relatively recent establishment.

Where is California State University-Channel Islands located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in rural Camarillo with housing capacity for 1,528 students and a retention rate of 72.59%. The Dolphins compete in athletics while serving a predominantly Hispanic student body that makes up 60.08% of enrollment.

Is California State University-Channel Islands diverse in its student population?

Women comprise 65.56% of students while Hispanic students represent the largest ethnic group at 60.08% of enrollment. Nearly all students (99.53%) come from California, creating a close-knit community that reflects the state's demographic diversity.