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CSUSB Direct Admit

 

You’ve Earned Your Spot — Let’s Make It Official

Applications for Fall 2026 open Oct. 1, 2025. The final deadline is Jan. 31, 2026. Nursing pre-majors must apply by Dec.ember 2, 2025.

If you’re a high school senior in a participating school district, your admission to CSUSB is already guaranteed through our Direct Admissions program. You’ve put in the work — now it’s time to take the next step.

Just submit your Cal State Apply application, and select CSUSB as your first choice. That’s it. No extra forms. No essays. No stress.

How to Apply

Not quite ready?

Tell Us About Yourself

Am I Eligible for Direct Admission?

Sample Direct Mail from CSUYou are - if you meet all of the following:

  • You're a high school senior graduating by summer 2026
  • You've completed your "A-G" coursework with a GPA of 2.5 or higher by the end of your junior year
  • You attended a public high school in one of our participating school districts
  • You plan to apply to CSUSB as your first-choice campus

If you qualify for a CSU fee waiver, apply to CSUSB for free. Fee waiver eligibility will be shown before you submit your application.

Is my high school in a participating school district

Make It Official — How to Claim Your Spot

Fall 2026 applications open Oct. 1, 2025

Once you submit your application, we’ll follow up by email with your next steps — including how to:

  1. Launch your application through CaliforniaColleges.edu or connection your CaliforniaColleges.edu account in Cal State Apply.
  2. Select CSUSB as your first-choice campus
  3. Complete the remaining questions - fee waiver eligibility will be shown before submission
  4. Keep an eye on your email inbox for your acceptance message!

That’s it. No essays. No extra forms. You’ve already been admitted - Claim Your Spot Today!

Apply Today! - Launch CaliforniaColleges.edu

Cal State Apply

Excited graduating student

What Happens After You Apply?

  • Confirm your admission
  • Log in to your myCoyote (student) account
  • Register for orientation
  • Apply for financial aid
  • Connect with our Coyote community before classes even start

Our Outreach and Student Recruitment team is here to help you make the transition to CSUSB easy, exciting and clear.

CSUSB RANKS #3 IN THE NATION FOR SOCIAL MOBILITY (The Wall Street Journal) Rise higher with pathways to great jobs and low debt—achieve your dreams, burden-free.

That means students like you are not only graduating with great jobs but end up with little to no debt.
  • At CSUSB, we’re here to support your goals, open doors to new opportunities, and make sure your dreams are within reach.
  • Ready to unlock your future? Why wait? Choose CSUSB and get the education, experience, and opportunities you need—without the financial burden.

CSUSB is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all students. Our campus is equipped with 24/7 police services, emergency call stations, and a variety of safety programs to ensure a welcoming and protected community. We prioritize the well-being of our students so they can focus on their academic success and personal growth.

Chief John Guittierez

“The University Police Department holds the highest priority placed on education and safety, to build lasting, sustainable relationships through our civic community engagement with our CSUSB campus community.

– John Guttierez, CSUSB Chief of Police

Paying for College

Cost of tution & Fees

Affording a CSUSB education is more achievable than you might think! We offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants and work-study programs, designed to support students from diverse backgrounds. Our financial aid advisors are here to guide you through the process and help you explore all available resources to make your college experience both accessible and affordable. Your dream of earning a degree at CSUSB is within reach!

 CSUSB Tuition Calculator 

Direct Admissions Riverside County

Navigating financial aid can be daunting, but CSUSB is here to support you every step of the way. Our dedicated financial aid team is committed to helping you understand your options - including grants, scholarships, and loans - to make your education more affordable. We encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to maximize your eligibility for aid. Undocumented students should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The 2026-27 FAFSA and CADAA forms should be available by Dec. 1, 2025. Remember, your education at CSUSB is an investment in your future, and we're here to help you achieve your academic goals without financial stress.

FASFA

CADAA

Resources for Choosing CSUSB Direct Admission Studentst

Direct Admissions Riverside County

Experience CSUSB firsthand by attending a Direct Admissions event scheduled specifically for your high school. These events are your chance to explore our vibrant community, state-of-the-art facilities, and scenic campus grounds. You’ll have the opportunity to meet current students, connect with faculty, and discover more about our academic programs, support services, and resources that will help you succeed.

 



Explore Majors and Degrees

Discover your path at CSUSB by exploring our comprehensive range of academic majors! We invite you to visit our webpages to learn about the 70+ diverse programs we offer, from business and cybersecurity to arts and sciences. Each major is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your chosen field. Take a moment to explore our offerings, and find the perfect fit for your passions and career aspirations.

Explore Majors & Degrees by College

Need Help? Let’s Talk

Schedule a 1:1 appointment with our friendly outreach counselors. Whether you need help with Cal State Apply or just want to talk through the process, we’ve got you.

Book an Appointment

Direct Admission FAQs for CSUSB

What is Direct Admission Program?

CSUSB’s Direct Admission Program offers automatic admission to eligible high school students in participating school districts — no traditional application required. If you’ve completed the A-G coursework and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you’re in. It’s that simple. You may also be eligible for an application fee waiver, and you’ll find out while filling out your application — before you submit — if you qualify.

Is my high school in a participating school district?

Participating San Bernardino County School Districts

  • Chaffey Joint Union High School District
  • Chino Valley Unified School District
  • San Bernardino City Unified School District
  • Fontana Unified School District
  • Apple Valley Unified School District
  • Victor Valley Union High School District
  • Rim of the World Unified School District

Participating Riverside County School Districts

  • Alvord Unified School District
  • Banning Unified School District
  • Beaumont Unified School District
  • Coachella Valley Unified School District
  • Desert Sands Unified School District
  • Hemet Unified School District
  • Jurupa Unified School District
  • Lake Elsinore Unified School District
  • Moreno Valley Unified School District
  • Murrieta Valley Unified School District
  • Nuview Union School District
  • Palm Springs Unified School District
  • Palo Verde Unified School District
  • Perris Union High School District
  • Riverside Unified School District
  • San Jacinto Unified School District
  • Temecula Valley Unified School District
  • Val Verde Unified School District

Additional Participating School Districts

Fremont Unified School DistrictAlameda County
Hayward Unified School DistrictAlameda County
Oakland Unified School DistrictAlameda County
Chico Unified School DistrictButte County
West Contra Costa Unified School DistrictContra Costa County
Del Norte County Unified School DistrictDel Norte County
Clovis Unified School DistrictFresno County
Fresno Unified School DistrictFresno County
Bellflower Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Compton Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Long Beach Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Lynwood Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Paramount Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Pasadena Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Redondo Beach Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School DistrictLos Angeles County
Ukiah Unified School DistrictMendocino County
Napa Valley Unified School DistrictNapa County
Capistrano Unified School DistrictOrange County
Garden Grove Unified School DistrictOrange County
Santa Ana Unified School DistrictOrange County
Elk Grove Unified School DistrictSacramento County
San Diego Unified School DistrictSan Diego County
Stockton Unified School DistrictSan Joaquin County
San Mateo-Foster City School District (K–8)San Mateo County
San Mateo Union High School District (9–12)San Mateo County
South San Francisco Unified School DistrictSan Mateo County
Fremont Union High School DistrictSanta Clara County
Pajaro Valley Unified School DistrictSanta Cruz County / Monterey County
Shasta Union High School DistrictShasta County
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School DistrictSonoma County
Petaluma Joint Union High School DistrictSonoma County
Santa Rosa High School DistrictSonoma County
West Sonoma County Union High School DistrictSonoma County
Oxnard Union High School DistrictVentura County
How do I know if I’m eligible for Direct Admission?

You’re eligible if you are attending a high school senior in a participating school district, have completed the A-G curriculum, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher by the end of your junior year.

Do I qualify for an application fee waiver?

If you’re a California resident applying as a first-time freshman, your application through Cal State Apply will automatically be reviewed for a fee waiver.

Eligibility is based on information you provided to your high school and follows California’s guidelines for free or reduced lunch. If you qualify, you can apply to up to four CSU campuses for free. Make CSUSB your first choice when selecting campuses!

You’ll see whether you qualify for the waiver before you submit your application — so there are no surprises.

Do I still need to complete an application if I’m directly admitted?

Yes! Even though you're pre-approved, you must complete the Cal State Apply application and submit it. Be sure that your application is linked to your CaliforniaColleges.edu account so that your transcripts auto populate in your application which is what makes this such an easy application to submit. Be sure to apply between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31.

Why should I choose CSUSB over other CSU campuses?

CSUSB offers many advantages, especially if you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable education that's close to home. Choosing us means saving on housing and transportation costs, while still getting access to some of the best academic programs in the state. We offer a range of resources like internships, career services, and student organizations to help you build connections and succeed after graduation. We’re also a vibrant, diverse campus where you’ll feel welcomed and supported from day one.

How can I get more information about CSUSB?

We encourage you to attend a CSUSB Direct Admission event hosted in partnership with your school district. Each participating school will have a dedicated event at CSUSB, where you can join an in-person information session, take a campus tour, and participate in application workshops. These events are a great way to explore the campus, learn about academic programs, meet the CSUSB community, and get hands-on support with the Direct Admission application process.

You can also explore our campus by scheduling a campus tour or experiencing the virtual series The College Tour,” where ten CSUSB students from diverse backgrounds share their unique stories. From a first-generation nursing student highlighting her favorite campus resources to an entrepreneurship major crediting his program for helping launch two businesses, their experiences show how CSUSB supports a diverse community and prepares students to define the future.

I’m nervous about completing the application. Can I get help?

Absolutely! CSUSB hosts application workshops where staff will walk you through the process. You can also receive one-on-one support to make sure everything goes smoothly.

What financial aid options are available at CSUSB?

Paying for college is a big concern for many students, but we want you to know there are many financial aid options available to help make college affordable. At CSUSB, you can apply for federal and state aid, such as the FAFSA or California Dream Act, which can offer grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans. We also have institutional scholarships to help make college more affordable.

Can I apply to other CSU campuses?

Yes! While CSUSB has partnered with six San Bernardino County school districts to expand access through our Direct Admission Program, your district may also participate in the CSU-wide Direct Admissions initiative. That means you could be eligible to apply to any of the 23 CSU campuses.

That said, choosing CSUSB as your local CSU can be one of the most affordable and convenient options — with strong academic programs, campus support, and a location close to home.