Transfer CSU
The California State University is one of two public university systems in the state of California. It is the nation’s largest university system, with 22 CSU campuses serving over 400,000 students. The CSU offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in some 240 subject areas, as well as a variety of teaching credential programs. A select number of doctoral degrees are offered jointly with the University of California or with private universities in California. You can explore CSU campus by visiting websites to learn more about how to meet requirements to enter a CSU campus as a transfer student, where the campuses are located, which academic programs are offered by each one, how to apply for transfer, and more.
Application Dates
| Term of Transfer | Initial Filing Period |
| Spring 2027 | Jul 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 | August 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026 |
CSU Junior-Level Transfer Minimum Admission Requirements
Transfer students that meet the following requirements are eligible for junior-level transfer admission:
While students may complete any number of units at a community college, a maximum of 70 transferable units may be applied toward the total units required for a CSU baccalaureate degree. Coursework completed in excess of this 70-unit limit may be used to satisfy specific content requirements via “subject credit” but will not increase the total unit count toward graduation. Students are strongly advised to consult with a counselor to monitor their unit totals.
Please be advised that impacted majors, programs, and campuses may enforce supplemental admission criteria, including higher minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. For a comprehensive list of impacted programs and their specific admission standards, students should refer to the CSU Impacted Degrees database
Complete the “Golden Four” (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and Mathematics/ Quantitative Reasoning) with a grade of C or better. Pass/No-Pass grades are not recommended in these areas.
Students are strongly urged to complete an approved General Education (GE) pattern. Effective Fall 2025 and for all subsequent terms, the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) shall serve as the required GE pattern for transfer to both the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). Students must consult with a counselor to verify course alignment with Cal-GETC requirements and ensure compliance with their specific catalog rights.
Students are strongly recommended to meet with a counselor to discuss transfer requirements.
Application Resources
- Cal State Apply Sign-in
- CSU Application Guide
- CSU Application Video: Creating Your Account
- CSU Application Video: Selecting Your Campus and Major
- CSU Application Video: Quadrant 1 - Personal Information
- CSU Application Video: Quadrant 2 - College Courses/Academic Transcript Pt. 1
- CSU Application Video: Quadrant 2 - College Courses/Academic Transcript Pt. 2
- CSU Application Video: Quadrant 3 - Supporting Information
- CSU Application Video: Quadrant 4 - Program Materials
Start Your Journey Today! CSU Transfer Success Pathway
Students enrolling in a California community college this fall could be eligible for a dual admission program to the California State University. The Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) program is designed to increase access to any of the CSU’s 22 universities. If academic, financial or personal hardships prevented you from attending the CSU in the past, this program could help you earn your degree at the CSU. You are eligible for the TSP program if you are enrolling in a California Community College and have not earned any college credit since completing high school or earning a GED. - If you are taking college courses in the summer immediately following your high school graduation, you’re still eligible for TSP. - If you have taken dual enrollment coursework while in high school, you’re still eligible for TSP. - Eligible students can apply to the program to: - Enter into an agreement with the CSU and receive guaranteed admission to the degree program and campus of your choice. Please note: - You must meet all TSP requirements within three years. - Available degree programs vary by each CSU. - Receive personalized guidance from CSU representatives to create an educational plan that will help you transfer in three years or less. - Map out your coursework using the CSU Transfer Planner portal to ensure you’re on track to earning your degree.
