Admissions

Requirements for admission to California State University, Fresno are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available at California State University (CSU) website.

All CSU applications must be submitted online on the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application for Admission Documents. California State University, Fresno advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Applicants are required to include their correct Social Security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). See also Policies and Regulations.

Taxpayers who claim Hope Scholarship or Lifetime Learning tax credit will be required to provide their name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number to the campus.

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establish specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing university decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Admissions appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted, and indicate a time estimate for when the university expects to respond to an appeal. The appeal procedures must be included in all denial of admission notifications to students, and must also be published on the university website. You can visit the Admissions and Recruitment website studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/are to view appeal process

Application Filing Periods

Each non-impacted university accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many universities limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the university admission office for current information. Similar information is conveniently available at www.calstate.edu/apply/.

• Applications for the fall semester are accepted beginning Oct. 1. The initial filing period lasts until Nov. 30.
• Applications for the spring semester are accepted beginning Aug. 1. The initial filing period lasts until Aug. 31.
• Applications for the summer semester are accepted beginning Feb. 1. The initial filing period lasts until Feb. 28. Most universities do not admit students to summer term.
  Application Acknowledgment. Applicants should expect to receive an acknowledgment from the universities to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another university.

Hardship Petitions. The university has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write to the university Admission Office regarding specific policies governing hardship admission. See Appeal of Admission Decision section.

Fresno State only accepts undergraduate applications for the fall and spring semesters. You can visit the Admissions and Recruitment website for the latest updates and deadlines.

Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student qualifies to pay university fees at the in-state or out-of-state rate. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University are California Education Code sections 68000-68086, 68120-68133, and89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900- 41915. This material can be viewed by accessing the California State University Office of General counsel website.  

Each CSUs Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of that university’s new and returning students based, as applicable, on the student’s Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and, as necessary, other information the student furnishes. A student who fails to provide sufficient information to establish resident status will be classified a nonresident.

Residency Determination Dates

Semester Term CSUs

• Fall - September 20
• Spring - January 25
• Summer - June 1

CalState TEACH

• Fall - September 20
• Spring- January 5
• Summer- June 1

Residency Requirements

Initial Determination: Eligible Immigration Status, Physical Presence and Intent

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University (CSU) as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency (see Immigration Information),meet physical presence by the Residence Determination Date, and demonstrate intent to indefinitely remain in the State of California for more that one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date. If the student is under the age of19 (with limited exceptions), the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or from that of the legal guardian.

Requirements for Residency for Tuition Purposes

Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2022 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2022,the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2021.

Intent: California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately proceeding the Residence Determination Date(RDD), and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day)before the RDD.

Documents must include the student’s name, the student’s California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. For students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian’s name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian’s immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency, therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.

Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.

Immigration Information: A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University (CSU) as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (see list). If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions.

Nonimmigrant Statuses and Other Categories that are Eligible to Establish California Residency for Tuition Purposes

The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals in certain nonimmigrant statuses to establish permanent residency in the United States. Therefore, they are entitled to establish California residency for tuition purposes. For a complete list of eligible visas and other eligible categories, review the nonimmigrant list. Students must hold an eligible visa status at least one year before the Residence Determination Date (RDD) to be eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes.

Students in the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students who are adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.

Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the university Admissions Office.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68086 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906- 41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can only be determined after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither the university nor the Chancellor’s Office staff may give legal advice, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal advisor.

There are exceptions from nonresident tuition, including the following:

1. A student below the age of 19 whose parents were residents of California and left the state while the student, who remained, was still a minor. When the minor reaches age 18, the exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
2. Minors who have been present in California with the intent of acquiring residence for more than a year before the residence determination date and have been entirely self-supporting for that period of time. The exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
3. Persons below the age of 19 who have lived with and been under the continuous direct care and control of an adult or adults, not a parent, for the two years immediately preceding the residence determination date. Such adult must have been a California resident for the most recent year. The exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
4. Dependent children and spouse of a person in active military service stationed in California on the residence determination date. There is no time limitation on this exception unless the military person transfers out of California or retires from military service. If either of those events happen, the student’s eligibility for this exception continues until the student resides in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
5. Military personnel in active service stationed in California on the residence determination date for purposes other than education at state-supported institutions of higher education. Effective January 1, 1994, this exception continues until the military personnel has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
6. Military personnel in active service in California for more than one year immediately prior to being discharged from the military. Eligibility for this exception runs from the date the student is discharged from the military until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
7. Students utilizing the Post 9/11, Veterans Readiness & Employment benefits and effective August 1, 2022 students/dependents under Chapter 35–VA Certificates of Eligibility and/or DD 214’s are required.
8. Dependent children of a parent who has been a California resident for the most recent year. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident, so long as continuous attendance is maintained at an institution.
9. Graduates of any school located in California that is operated by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, including, but not limited to, the Sherman Indian High School. The exception continues so long as continuous attendance is maintained by the student at an institution.
10. Certain credentialed, full-time employees of California school districts and students who have attended high school in California and graduated or attained the equivalent.
11. Full-time state university employees and their children and spouses; state employees assigned to work outside the state and their children and spouses. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a California resident.
12. Children of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees, who were California residents, and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire suppression duties.
13. Certain amateur student athletes in training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
14. Federal civil service employees and their natural or adopted dependent children if the employee has moved to California as a result of a military mission realignment action that involves the relocation of at least 100 employees. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.
15. State government legislative or executive fellowship program enrollees. The student ceases to be eligible for this exception when the student is no longer enrolled in the qualifying fellowship.

Reclassification - Financial Independence (only applies to continuing students)

A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term; however, reclassification requires that, in addition to satisfying the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state, the student must also satisfy the requirement of financial independence as outlined in Title 5 CCR § 41905.5.To do so, the student must contact the appropriate person in the university admissions office and complete a Residency Questionnaire Form and provide supporting documents.

41905.5 Residence Reclassification - Financial Independence Requirement

• Any nonresident student requiring reclassification to resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate financial independence.
• Student has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by their parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
• Student has not and will not receive more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per year in financial assistance from their parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
• Student has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of their parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
• Note: Students who receive a government scholarship and/or financial assistance should be viewed the same as state and federal financial aid, and athletics grants-is-aid, and should not be counted as parental support.
• Effective Fall 2020 academic term, if the student meets at least one of the following criteria, the student does not have to meet the financial independence requirement. Student must provide the university admissions office supporting documents (e.g. state income tax returns, court documents, marriage certificate, military order form) that demonstrate they meet the criteria.
  • Dependent on a parent who has California residency for more than one year immediately preceding the RDD;
  • Enrolled in a graduate or postbaccalaureate program, regardless of age;
  • Turned 24 years of age by the RDD;
  • Married or registered domestic partner as of the RDD;
  • Active duty member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • Legal dependent other than spouse or registered domestic partner;
  • Former ward of the court, foster youth or both parents are deceased;
  • Declared by a court to be an emancipated minor; or
  • Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residency Appeals

A student classified as a nonresident may appeal a final university decision within 30 days of notification by the university. Appeals will be accepted only if at least one of the following criteria applies:

1. The decisions was based on:
   1. A significant error of fact by the university;
   2. A significant procedural error by the university; or
   3. An incorrect application of the law which, if corrected would require that the student be reclassified as a California resident; and/or
   4. Significant new information, not previously known or available to the student, became available after the date of the university decision classifying the student as a nonresident and based on the new information, the classification as a nonresident is incorrect.

Instructions to submit an appeal and additional information can be found on the California Residency for Tuition Purposes website.

Appeals via email, fax and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability who is requesting an accommodation to submit an appeal through the California State University (CSU) website should contact Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at residencyappeals@calstate.edu.

The office of the Chancellor will either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the university for further review.

A student incorrectly classified as a resident or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition is subject to reclassification as a nonresident or withdrawal of the exception and subject to payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student may also be subject to discipline pursuant to Section41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. A student previously classified as a resident or previously granted an exception is required to immediately notify the Admissions Office if the student has reason to believe that the student no longer qualifies as a resident or no longer meets the criteria for an exception.

Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements

Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:

• General Requirements - The minimum university requirements for admission to graduate and post-baccalaureate studies at a CSU are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.
• Specifically, a student shall at the time of enrollment: 
  1. Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate university authorities
  2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
  3. Have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and 
  4. Satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate university authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a university may make exceptions to these criteria.

• Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:

  1. Graduate Classified - To pursue a graduate degree, applicants are required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the university; or

  2. Graduate Conditionally Classified - Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate university authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or

  3. Post-Baccalaureate Classified (e.g. admission to an education credential program) - Persons wishing to enroll in a credential or certificate program will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the university; or

  4. Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified - To enroll in undergraduate courses as preparation for advanced degree programs or to enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, applicants must be admitted as post- baccalaureate unclassified students. By meeting the general requirements, applicants are eligible for admission as post-baccalaureate unclassified students. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program. (Most CSUs do not offer admission to unclassified postbaccalaureate students).

(These and other CSU admission requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the CSU admission portal are good sources for the most up-to-date information.)
For additional information, see the Division of Research and Graduate Studies.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate English Language Requirement (TOEFL). All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 80 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some programs require a higher score. Several CSUs may use alternative methods for assessing fluency in English including Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP).

All graduate applicants must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 550, unless they have a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education in which English is the language of instruction. Some campuses may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency. Graduate applicants taking the Internet version must score 80 or above.

Each campus posts the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Application Procedures

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (i.e., doctorate, joint Ph.D. applicants, master’s degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials or certificates and, where permitted, holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials on the Cal State Apply website.

Applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree should submit the graduate application for admission unless specifically requested to do otherwise. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements in the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $70 nonrefundable application fee. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one CSU, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. All CSU applications must be submitted online via the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

For additional information, see the Division of Research and Graduate Studies.

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every university which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few universities.

Candidates for admission must meet all of the universitys’ specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or university.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those CSUs or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on university and program impaction is available on the Impaction at the CSU website.

Each university will communicate supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their application service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published on Fresno State campus website and made available at http://fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/are/.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered for impacted programs at more than one CSU should file an application at each university for which they seek admission consideration.

Fresno State is impacted and only accepts undergraduate applications between October and November for fall terms. If the campus is open for spring, applications are accepted August prior to the spring term. Please check www.csufresno.edu/are for the latest updates.

Supplementary Admission Criteria. Each university with impacted programs or class-level admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on the combination of students “A-G” GPA and supplemental factors or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degrees, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted universities or programs may need to have a higher “a-g” GPA . In no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making freshman admission decisions.

The supplementary admission criteria used by individual CSUs to screen applicants are made available by the universities to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.

International (Foreign) Students

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. “International students” are those who hold U.S.F or J student visas. They may be degree-seeking applicants, exchange visitors, or other non-immigrant classifications. The CSU has separate requirements for the admission of international students. Academic performance and English proficiency are important admission considerations.

Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file by the deadline (see application deadlines in the copy that follows)for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Applicants must have completed a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory courses. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on TOEFL requirement) and academic performance are required. Applicants who are seeking admission from American secondary or post-secondary schools must fulfill all requirements.

No admission decision will be made until required materials have been submitted to International Admissions.

Application Forms. All international students requesting admission for undergraduate or graduate study at California State University, Fresno, must submit the following:

• an international application
• a $70 non-refundable application fee
• copy of approved English language proficiency test per International Office website
• official original or certified true copies of academic documents and other school records in the native language and in English translation
• graduate applicants also need to submit GRE (or GMAT) scores and letters of recommendation if required by the program*

All documents submitted become the property of California State University, Fresno and will not be returned. They will be imaged in the university’s database.

Application Deadlines. The international application, fee and all required documents, transcripts, and test scores must be received no later than:

Undergraduate
Fall Semester - June 1
Spring Semester - November 1

Graduate
Fall Semester - June 1*
Spring Semester - October 1

* Graduate programs have various deadlines for international applicants. Graduate applications will be reviewed by the individual academic departments to determine eligibility for the requested graduate program. Please check for all program deadlines and requirements (including English language), at: (http://www.fresnostate.edu/cge/international/index.html/future/graduate.html).

Academic credentials will be evaluated for academic eligibility in accordance with the general regulations governing admission to California State University, Fresno. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. (See TOEFL below.)

Graduate applications will be reviewed by the individual academic departments to determine eligibility for the requested graduate program.

TOEFL. To ensure that students are prepared to take advantage of the educational opportunities available at California State University, Fresno, each international student who must submit TOEFL scores will be required to participate in a post-admission testing program. The test will be administered during orientation immediately before the student’s first matriculated semester. The purpose of the testing program (e.g. the University English Exam) is to assess strengths and weaknesses inwritten English. As a result of the post-admission testing, a student may be required to enroll in certain English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. TOEFL will be waived for those students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university. Other English proficiency exams such as IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted in lieu of TOEFL. Further information may be obtained from the International Office at 278.2782.

Conditional Admission. An undergraduate student whose academic qualifications are acceptable, but who has not achieved an acceptable English language score, may be granted a conditional admission. Such a student must obtain an I-20 Form(Certificate of Eligibility) from an English language school and attend an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. In order to transfer from a language school to California State University, Fresno, a conditionally admitted student must present an official English language score from an acceptable test listed on our website.

For graduate applicants whose academic qualifications are acceptable, but who has not achieved an acceptable English language score, may be granted a conditional admission subject to major department review, and approval.

Insurance Requirement. Effective August 1, 1995 as a condition of receiving an I-20 Form or DS-2019 Form, all F-1and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in the California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. All international students enrolled at California State University, Fresno are mandated to be automatically enrolled in health insurance. Further information may be obtained from the International Office at 559.278.2782.

Returning Students

Applicants who seek readmission after an absence of two consecutive semesters or more must file an application for admission. https://studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/are/returning.html

Applicants absent one semester are not required to reapply. Students on an approved planned educational leave are not required to file an application for admission. (See Planned Educational Leave). Students returning from active duty military orders please contact the Veterans Resource Center at fsveterans@mail.fresno.edu.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Freshmen Requirements. Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements:

1. Have graduated from high school (earning a high school diploma), have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)
2. Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses;
3. Have completed, with grades of C- or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”); and
   1. The CSU will accept “Credit” or “Pass” grades to satisfy “a-g” requirements completed during Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and during Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall 2021 terms. The CSU expects and assumes that high school Pass (Credit) grades will represent work completed at the C- or higher level. As of Fall 2021and forward, grades are expected for courses.
4. Earn a qualifying “a-g” grade point average (GPA) as described below.
   1. California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA.
   2. Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the university admission decision.
   3. Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 or greater “a-g” GPA along with other supplemental factors utilized by the individual university, including those outlined by impacted universities and programs.
   4. Any Non-California resident earning a GPA between 2.47 and 2.99 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the university admission decision.
5. Each CSU will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students.

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility. Submitted test scores by admitted students would be considered only for purposes of student placement in Math or English courses.

Adult Students. As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
• Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
• If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation. 

Honors Courses. The CSU assigns extra points for up to eight semesters of approved honors level, International Baccalaureate(IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in the last three years of high school: A=5 points, B=4 points, C=3 points.

No more than two approved honors level courses taken in the 10th grade may be given extra points. A grade of D in an honors IB or Advanced Placement course does not earn extra points.

Approved high school honors level courses means that the courses are identified as honors level on your official high school “a-g” course list. You can find your school’s course list at the University of California’s Course List Search.

Extra points are also awarded for college courses used to meet CSU “a-g” requirements. However, no more than eight (8) extra points may be awarded to any one applicant.

Foreign Language Subject Requirement. The foreign language subject requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language other than English, equivalent to or higher than expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. Consult with your school counselor or any CSU campus Admissions and Records or Relations with Schools offices for further information.

Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities. All students must be able to meet the academic, accreditation and technical standards required for admission or participation in their chosen program of study. Students with disabilities, therefore, are not excused from course prerequisites, GPA requirements or degree requirements. However, in some limited circumstances, substitution of course requirements based on a documented disability may be appropriate.

Such substitutions are granted only when it is clear that the student’s disability makes completion of the requirement(s)impossible and when the course in question is not a fundamental element of the curriculum. A course substitution means that the credit hours for the course are met through an alternate course. A course substitution may not alter or reduce the number of credits needed for degree completion or create a fundamental alteration in the program of study.

Students should visit their campus’s admissions website for the process to appeal an admission denial when the student’s disability directly impacts their ability to complete an admission requirement.

The California Promise. The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSUs to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4-years. All CSUs have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2-years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the 4-year or 2-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating CSUs may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact university offices or visit the California Promise Program website.

High School Students. High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate university department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment. Contact our Admissions Office.

Transfer Policies of California State University. Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency are accepted for transfer to member universities of the CSU; However, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each university.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed on the official transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities website, assist.org.

CSUs may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSUs, any or all of the California Community Colleges, and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and California Community College articulations may be found on assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester(105 quarter) units to a CSU from an institution that does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90-semester (135-quarter) units may be transferred into the University from all sources.

Conditional/Provisional Admission - Freshmen. California State University, Fresno may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The university will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A CSU may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma , have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or university, have met all supplementary criteria.

Subject Requirements. The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater or music
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshmen admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or University offering the courses and accepted as such by the university to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower-Division Transfer Requirements. Due to increased enrollment demands, some CSUs do not admit lower-division transfer applicants. Students are advised to check the respective university they are interested in to see if lower division transfer applications are accepted. An applicant who completes fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college credit is considered a lower-division transfer student. Due to enrollment pressures, some CSUs do not admit lower-division transfers so that more upper-division transfers can be accommodated.

Having fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units at the point of transfer may affect eligibility for registration priority at a CSU and may affect the student’s financial aid status.

California resident transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units must:

• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
• Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and B4 requirements, respectively;
• Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
• Meet any one of the following eligibility standards.

Transfer Based on Current Admission Criteria

The applicant meets the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term for which the application is filed; - OR -

Transfer Based on High School Eligibility

The applicant was eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation; - OR -

Transfer Based on Making Up Missing Subjects

The applicant had a qualifiable eligibility index at the time of high school graduation (combination of GPA and test scores if needed), has made up any missing college preparatory subject requirements with a grade of C- or better, and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation.

One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study.

Note: Fresno State does not accept lower-division transfer students. Some CSUs may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses, as part of their admission criteria.)

Upper-Division Transfer Requirements. Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:

1. Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all transferable units attempted; For impacted campuses such as Fresno State, this GPA is higher. See calstate.edu/apply for further information.
2. In good standing at the last college or university attended; and
3. Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses that meet CSU general education requirements, including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

* Non-residents may have higher GPA requirements. GPA requirements are subject to change for each application cycle. Please refer to the Admissions Recruitment website for current impaction guidelines and GPA requirements.

For this requirement, transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T)/Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440). The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.

CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission consideration over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted university/program or to CSUs/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU. For the admissions process, students are responsible for working with their community college counselors to complete verification of AA-T or AS-T degree progress through the verify process within the established university deadlines.

Conditional/Provisional Admission - Transfers. California State University, Fresno may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The university will monitor the final term to ensure that conditionally admitted students completed all required courses. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college level work completed. CSUs may rescind admission for any student who is found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $70 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be requested on the application if desired by the university. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted university may be redirected to another university at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Applicants should indicate an alternate major on their admission application. Generally, an alternate major will be considered at the first choice campus before an application is redirected to an alternate choice campus.

Note: The CSU accepts online payment at the time of application via credit card, e-check, or PayPal. Payment may not be transferred or used to apply to another term.

For undergraduate admission to California State University, Fresno you must:

1. Submit a current application with a nonrefundable application fee to at http://www.calstate.edu/apply.
2. Request institutions formerly attended to send transcripts directly to the Admissions Office transcripts of credits from high school and colleges. Failure to include all colleges attended may result in the withdrawal of your application. All transcripts submitted by students are retained by California State University, Fresno. Fresno State highly encourages electronic submission of official transcripts.
3. Meet the freshmen undergraduate admission requirements. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all foreign applicants and applicants who do not have at least three years of full-time schooling at the secondary level or beyond where English is the principal language of instruction.

In addition to the other documents required, veterans should file a copy of the Notice of Separation (DD 214) from the armed services with the application for admission. Academic credit will be awarded for service time and service schools completed as recommended by A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Veterans who are California residents may be exempt from certain admission requirements. Special admission may be granted if the applicant is judged likely to succeed academically. Standard admission procedures should be followed.

Applications will not be accepted after admissions categories have closed. Final eligibility for admission cannot be determined until all required documents have been received. Due to staff limitations, an evaluation of transfer credit will generally not be available until sometime during the first semester’s enrollment.

A maximum of 70 community college semester units of credit are allowed toward the bachelor’s degree. However, community college credit in excess of 70 units may be used to satisfy subject requirements. No upper-division credit will be given.

Remedial course units are not accepted for degree credit. For limitations on extension and correspondence credit, see Extension Classes.

Students desiring university housing or financial aid should file special applications with the appropriate offices concerned as soon as possible.

Graduation Requirements in Writing Proficiency. All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on currently available ways to meet this graduation requirement may be obtained from the Undergraduate Degree Evaluations or the Bulldog Testing Center.

English Language Requirement

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a score of [UNIVERSITY MINIMUM SCORE] or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some majors may require a score higher than [UNIVERSITYMINIMUM]. Some majors and some CSUs may require a higher score. A few CSUs may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). Each university will post the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores. CSU minimum TOEFL standards is: Undergraduate 61 - Internet, 500-Paper.