Overview
California State University-Sacramento is an open admission public four-year institution in Sacramento, California. The school accepts most applicants who complete the application process.
Admission Guide
California State University-Sacramento accepts applications through the Cal State Apply system from October 1 through November 30 for fall admission. You'll need to submit your official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (though some programs have gone test-optional), and complete the online application with your personal statement.
While Sacramento State admits most applicants, nursing remains highly competitive and requires a separate application process after completing prerequisite courses. Engineering programs also see more competition than the general admission pool. Computer science has grown increasingly selective due to high demand and strong job placement outcomes.
Housing fills quickly, so submit your housing application immediately after acceptance if you want to live on campus. The university requires all first-year students under 21 to live in residence halls unless they live within 30 miles of campus with family.
Sacramento State operates on a semester system and requires orientation before your first semester. You'll register for classes during orientation, so research your major requirements beforehand. The campus sits just minutes from downtown Sacramento, providing internship and job opportunities with state government agencies and local businesses.
Submit your FAFSA as early as possible since California state aid operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Many students qualify for significant financial aid that can cover most or all tuition costs. The school offers payment plans if you need to spread costs across the semester.
Plan to take placement exams in math and English unless your SAT or ACT scores exempt you. These determine whether you need remedial courses before taking college-level classes in these subjects.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $10,512/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $7,602
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $19,482
- Students Receiving Aid
- 49%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.8%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,876/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for California State University-Sacramento?
CSU Sacramento uses rolling admissions with a priority deadline of November 30 for fall admission. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does California State University-Sacramento require SAT or ACT scores?
CSU Sacramento is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose whether to submit test scores as part of their application.
How many units do I need to transfer to California State University-Sacramento?
Transfer students need a minimum of 60 transferable semester units to apply to CSU Sacramento. Students with fewer units are considered lower-division transfers and must meet freshman admission requirements.
Does California State University-Sacramento offer early admission programs?
CSU Sacramento does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through the standard CSU application timeline with the same November 30 priority deadline.