Overview
California State University-Fullerton is a less selective public four-year institution in Fullerton, California. The school accepts 66.7% of applicants and enrolls 36,956 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 66.7%
- Total Enrollment
- 36,956
Admission Guide
Cal State Fullerton requires the same application as all CSU campuses, but your personal insight questions become especially important here since the school admits by major and some programs fill quickly. Focus your essays on specific career goals rather than broad statements about helping others, particularly if you're applying to impacted majors like nursing, computer science, or engineering.
The nursing program at CSUF stands out as one of California's strongest, with excellent clinical partnerships at nearby hospitals including St. Jude Medical Center and UC Irvine Medical Center. If nursing is your goal, emphasize any healthcare experience, volunteer work in medical settings, or science coursework that prepared you for the program's intensity. The computer science department has strong industry connections in Orange County's tech corridor, so mention specific programming languages, projects, or internships that show your technical foundation.
CSUF operates on rolling admission within each application period, so submit your application early in the November filing window. The school fills spots on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis for popular majors. Your application gets reviewed as soon as it's complete rather than waiting until after the deadline.
The campus sits in suburban Orange County with a largely commuter population, though residence halls house about 2,500 students. You'll find a practical, career-focused environment where students balance work and school. The student body includes many first-generation college students and working adults returning to complete degrees. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate campus culture.
CSUF weighs your major preparation heavily, so complete all recommended coursework listed for your intended program before applying. For engineering majors, finish calculus and physics sequences. Business applicants should complete statistics and accounting prerequisites. The school's location means internship opportunities abound at nearby companies like Boeing, Disneyland, and numerous Orange County tech firms.
Apply directly to your intended major rather than undeclared, since changing into impacted programs later proves difficult. If you're unsure between related majors, choose the more competitive option first. The school's career services department maintains strong employer relationships, making it easier to land jobs after graduation in your field.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $5,646/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $7,073
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $18,953
- Students Receiving Aid
- 47%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,951/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 85.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for California State University-Fullerton?
Cal State Fullerton uses rolling admissions with a priority deadline of November 30 for fall admission. Applications submitted after the priority date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does California State University-Fullerton require SAT or ACT scores?
Cal State Fullerton is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose to submit test scores if they believe the scores will strengthen their application.
Can I transfer to California State University-Fullerton with an associate degree?
Yes, students with an associate degree for transfer (ADT) from a California community college receive guaranteed admission to Cal State Fullerton if they meet minimum GPA requirements. Transfer students with 60+ transferable units get priority consideration.
Does California State University-Fullerton have early admission programs?
Cal State Fullerton does not offer early decision or early action programs. All first-year applications are reviewed through the standard admissions process with the same November 30 priority deadline.