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Freshmen Admissions Requirements

How to Join the CSUSB Coyotes

Becoming a CSU San Bernardino student means finding your place in a community, considering what you want to study and navigating the admissions process. We’re here to help you through each of these steps. Read on to learn more about how to apply to CSUSB and for financial aid, as well as getting any support you might need along the way. As a university that excels in diversity, educational quality and opportunity, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Pack. 

Application Deadlines 

Spring 2026 
August 1-31, 2025 

Fall 2026 
October 1-December 1, 2025 

Summer 2026 

February 1-28, 2026 

Admission Requirements 

At CSUSB, we want to make applying clear and straightforward—here’s what you’ll need to qualify as a first-year student.

A first-year applicant is a student applying to college for the first time — usually a current high school senior or recent graduate. If you’ve taken college courses while in high school, you’re still considered a first-year applicant as long as those courses end by the summer right after your high school graduation. If you take college classes beyond that, you’ll apply as a transfer student.

Not sure where you fit — early graduate, homeschooled, or another non-traditional path? We’re here to help, so reach out with any questions.

To be eligible for admission as a first-year student, you must:

  1. Graduate High School: All applicants must be a high school graduate (or equivalent, such as having taken and passed the GED exam) 
  1. Meet GPA Requirements for the CSU “A-G” courses (see details below)
  1. Complete the 15-unit “A-G” courses with a grade of C- or better in each course by the time you graduate
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

To qualify for admission, your GPA in the required “A-G” courses must meet these minimums:

  • California residents: 2.50 or higher
  • Non-California residents: 3.00 or higher

If your GPA is a little below these minimums, you may still be considered for admission. CSUSB uses a process called the Multi-Factor Admission Score, which takes into account additional information—like special circumstances or achievements—to give your application another look. This process is available as space allows for:

  • California residents and graduates of California high schools with GPAs between 2.0–2.49
  • Non-California residents with GPAs between 2.5–2.99
Program-Level Impaction

Some majors at CSUSB receive more qualified applicants than we can accept each year. This is called program-level impaction.

Currently, the following programs are impacted:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Kinesiology – Applied Health

Because of impaction, additional admission requirements apply for students graduating from California high schools outside CSUSB’s defined local area.

CSUSB information, including campus and program-level impaction can be found on our First-Year Impaction Criteria website.   

Additional information about CSU impaction, and how it can affect you can be found at the CSU Chancellor's Office website.

Multi-Factor Admission Score (MFAS)

At CSUSB, we look at more than just your GPA. Your Multi-Factor Admission Score (MFAS) combines your GPA in “A-G” courses with other factors that show your achievements and experiences. These can include things like:

  • Work experience
  • Participation in educational programs
  • Veteran or military status
  • Other personal or academic accomplishments

This combination helps us get a fuller picture of you as a student and determines your eligibility for admission to CSUSB and certain majors.

Please note: SAT and ACT scores are no longer required and are not used in the MFAS.

Because CSUSB is an impacted campus, the MFAS is applied to all first-year California residents (with a GPA of 2.5 or higher) and to non-California residents (with a GPA of 3.0 or higher). Applicants with GPAs slightly below these minimums may still be considered if supplemental factors apply.

Comprehensive A-G Course Pattern 
 

To be admitted as a first-year student, the CSU requires you to complete a series of 15 yearlong high school courses in specific subject areas, known as the “A-G” course pattern. Each course must be completed with a grade of C- or better to count toward the requirement.

For more information on the A-G Pattern, visit the CSU Freshman: Admission Requirements website.

A-G College Preparatory
A-G AreaSubjectTotal Years Required
A

History and Social Science

(including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of civics or American government AND 1 year of social science)

2 Years
B

English

(4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature)

4 years
C

Math

(4 years recommended) of college preparatory math including or integrating topics covered in algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra.

3 Years
D

Laboratory Science

(2 years of college preparatory science required with laboratory [1 biological and 1 physical].

2 Years
E

Language Other Than English

(2 years or through the second level of high school instruction in the same language; American Sign Language and classical languages such as Latin and Greek are acceptable

2 Years
F

Visual and Performing

Arts (1 year or 2-semester courses from the same discipline required including dance, music, theatre, visual arts, or interdisciplinary arts.)​

1 Year
G

College Preparatory Elective

(additional year chosen from the University of California "a-g" list)

1 year

Tips for First-Generation Students & Quick Apply Guide

At CSUSB, you’re not alone—78% of our students are the first in their families to attend college. We’re proud to support you every step of the way. Use these tips and our quick application guide to help you get started and feel right at home in the Coyote Pack.

Priority 1: Find Your Pack

Whether it’s through your major, a student club or organization (CSUSB has more than 100!), athletics, or student housing, building connections is key. The sooner you find your community, the stronger your Coyote experience will be.

Priority 2: Lean on Academic Advising

Figuring out which classes to take, when to get tutoring, and how to stay on track can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why CSUSB Academic Advising is here for you—ready to guide you in person or on Zoom.

Priority 3: Prepare Your FAFSA and Explore Scholarships

Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarships can make a big difference, and CSUSB’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is here to guide you—whether you need help completing your FAFSA or exploring scholarship opportunities you may qualify for.

Financial Aid for First-Year Students  

Once you’ve applied to CSUSB, don’t forget to apply for financial aid, too. This usually starts with completing the FAFSA form, exploring scholarships, and checking if there are any additional forms you need to submit. 

The CSUSB Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is here to support you. You can reach the team by email at financialaid@csusb.edu, by phone at (909) 537-5227, or in person at University Hall, room 150 (UH-150). 

See All Financial Aid Resources

After You’re Admitted: New-Student Checklist 

Congratulations—you’re officially on your way to joining the Coyote Pack! Starting college is exciting, and we’re here to make sure you feel prepared. Use this checklist to stay on track before classes begin, and be sure to sign up for Orientation, where you’ll get important resources, meet fellow students, and learn what it means to be part of the CSUSB community.