California State University Direct Admission

Program Description: 

The California State University (CSU) Direct Admission Program reduces barriers to the college-going process by providing students with earlier awareness of college opportunities and a clearer pathway to enrollment. Through the program, CSU identifies eligible high school students using academic data, proactively notifies them of their admissions eligibility to participating CSU campuses, and encourages them to complete the Cal State Apply application and any required enrollment steps to finalize admission.   

Impact:

The 2024-2025 trial program found that high school seniors in Riverside County were more likely to be admitted to college and commit to college in fall 2025 compared to fall 2024. CSU schools saw a 15 percent increase in learners from Riverside who completed a CSU application, and a 9 percent increase in those who enrolled at a CSU campus. 

Population Served: 

The CSU Direct Admission Program targets learners who may not believe that they qualify for college, including those with lower incomes, students of color, and first-generation college goers. 

Key Steps for Implementation: 

• A trial program was implemented in 2024 in partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education. Participating students who qualified received mailed letters guaranteeing admission, along with information on affordability of the CSU and financial aid opportunities . This information was provided in English and Spanish. 

• CSU campuses held a series of events in Riverside County aimed at increasing student familiarity with the CSU system. 

• California passed SB 640, which expanded direct admission to all school districts across the state, and raised the number of CSU campuses participating from 10 to 17. It became law on January 1, 2026. 

Obstacles Faced:

Not every institution in the CSU system participates in the Direct Admission Program, like California Polytechnic State University, San Diego State University, and California State Fullerton. These schools have very large applicant pools that result in competitive admissions processes. Instead, this program provides exposure of other opportunities within the CSU system and increases postsecondary accessibility for underserved learners. 

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026