The Ultimate Guide to Cal State Schools: How to Pick

The California State University (CSU) system consists of 23 college campuses throughout California. Cal State colleges provide higher education to hundreds of thousands of students from California and the rest of the country and world.

In this article, I will describe the CSU system, profile each of the CSU colleges, and explain how to choose which CSU school to attend.

Cal State Schools Are Now Test Blind

As of May 2022, Cal State schools are officially test blind. That means that SAT and ACT scores are no longer factored into the admissions process for incoming students. Here's what the CSU website says about this policy shift: 

In March 2022, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the removal of the SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions processes. The decision followed the nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic when submitting those test scores was not required for CSU applicants.

CSU is reworking its application evaluation process to reconfigure the university’s minimum eligibility index used for admissions. This process will focus heavily on students' GPAs. The university states: 

The new index will continue to use applicants’ high school GPA as the primary factor in the formula, but will incorporate secondary factors to replace the test scores. These may include completion of college preparatory coursework beyond the minimum requirements; school context, such as the percentage of students receiving free/reduced-prices meals; and other student attributes or activities like extracurriculars, community engagement or first-generation status.

These admissions changes will start affecting students during the Fall 2022 admissions cycle. 

About the CSU System

There are 23 California State University campuses that offer undergraduate education. Below is the list of Cal State schools:

• CSU Bakersfield
• CSU Channel Islands
• CSU Chico
• CSU Dominguez Hills
• CSU East Bay
• CSU Fresno
• CSU Fullerton
• Cal Poly Humboldt
• CSU Long Beach
• CSU Los Angeles
• Cal Maritime Academy
• CSU Monterey Bay
• CSU Northridge
• Cal Poly Pomona
• CSU Sacramento
• CSU San Bernardino
• San Diego State University
• San Francisco State University
• San Jose State University
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
• CSU San Marcos
• Sonoma State University
• CSU Stanislaus

There are about 477,000 students and 53,000 faculty and staff at CSU schools. The Cal State Universities are run by the same chancellor and a 25-member Board of Trustees. All of the CSUs are California public colleges, and they have earned a reputation for offering their students access to higher education at an affordable price. The tuition fee for all 23 campuses for the 2022-2023 academic year is $7,550 for in-state undergraduate students.

Unsurprisingly, the tuition and fees for out-of-state students are considerably higher. CSU doesn't provide an average annual tuition cost for out-of-state students. However, they do assess a $396 per semester unit rate or $264 per quarter unit fee for out-of-state students.

Comparatively, tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year at University of California schools was $13,752 for California residents and $46,326 for nonresidents. Tuition at Santa Clara University, a private college in California, is $56,880 for the 2022-2023 school year.

As a whole, the CSU schools are less selective and competitive than the UC schools.

The Cal State schools are spread across the state of California, from San Diego in the south to Humboldt in the north. They vary quite a bit in size. Cal Maritime has the smallest enrollment with 880 students, and CSU Fullerton has the largest with 40,087.

Three of the CSU schools have a particular focus. Cal Maritime is a maritime academy, which is a school focused on teaching skills that can be put to use on the ocean or in industries related to the ocean. It's the only degree-granting maritime academy on the west coast.

The Cal Poly schools (San Luis Obispo and Pomona) are polytechnic colleges that specialize in science and engineering. However, they do offer majors in the humanities and social sciences. The rest of the CSUs don't have a particular focus, but business is one of the most popular majors at the majority of the campuses.

Also, many of the CSU campuses have a high percentage of commuter and non-traditional students. Commuter students live off campus, often with their families, and non-traditional students have taken more than a year off in between high school and college, or they go to school part time. Common complaints from students at schools with a large percentage of commuters are that there's not much school spirit, and it can be hard to make friends for students who live off-campus.

The CSU schools try to make higher education accessible and accommodate the needs of their students. Students often talk about how helpful the professors are, and many CSUs offer honors programs for capable students who want a more academically challenging education. Furthermore, some CSUs offer online education or classes at smaller branch campuses to accommodate the needs of their students.

You can easily determine if you meet the minimum requirements to gain admission to a CSU. Keep in mind that some CSU schools and majors within CSU schools are impacted while others are not (which means they have more applications each year than they have space). If a college isn't impacted, that means that all those that meet the minimum admission requirements are admitted. If a school or major is impacted, you have to exceed the minimum eligibility index to gain admission. Here's more information on impaction.

Nathan Rupert/Flickr 

Comparing the Cal State Schools by the Numbers

I created a table comparing the total enrollments (undergraduate and graduate students), average standardized test scores, and acceptance rates for each of the Cal State campuses. Take a look at the table to get an idea of the size and selectivity of each CSU institution.

Jebb/Flickr

Ranking of Cal State Schools

In terms of selectivity and reputation, there isn't much distinction between many of the Cal State schools. San Diego State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo probably have the best academic reputations of all of the CSUs. They also have considerably lower acceptance rates than the rest of the CSUs.

I listed the Cal States by their US News rankings. US News incorporates many factors into its rankings including academic reputation, selectivity, graduation rate, freshman retention rate, and the financial resources of the institution.

Also, US News separates schools into four categories in its rankings: National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. Most of the Cal States are in the Regional Universities (West) category, but others are considered national universities or regional colleges (west). I attempted to rank the CSU schools on this list based on selectivity and academic reputation.

Remember that college rankings are not a perfect science, and while you can use rankings to inform your decisions and get a general idea of how schools are viewed, you should try to find the college that's best for you.

Profiles of Each Cal State School

Many of the Cal State colleges are very similar because they're California public universities that share the same governing board. The biggest differences between most of the schools are related to their locations, sizes, and percentage of commuter students; the fewer who live on campus, the more likely it is that it's primarily a commuter school.

Here are brief profiles of each school so you can gain a better understanding of its location and what makes it unique compared to the other Cal State schools. I included the most popular majors, freshman retention rate, and the percentage of students who live on campus.

Additionally, I've provided student reviews for each college from Niche, a website that provides reviews, rankings, and statistics about neighborhoods and schools. I tried to include positive and negative reviews that were representative of many of the comments I read.

I listed the schools in rank order.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is located between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the Central Coast. It has a population of about 47,000. It's a very nice, quiet area. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has far fewer commuter students than other Cal State schools. That gives the school more of a community feel on campus and students have a more traditional college experience. Also, Cal Poly SLO also has one of the best undergraduate architecture programs in the country.

• Total enrollment: 22,028
• Most popular areas of study: Engineering, business/marketing, biological sciences, social sciences
• Freshman retention rate: 95%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 38%

Student Reviews

I love Cal Poly! The people I've met so far are fun and open minded. There is so much to do in San Luis Obispo, with different beaches so close and the hills for hiking. In addition, all the teachers are supportive and very knowledgeable.

Cal Poly Arboretum (Patrick Berry/Flickr)

San Diego State University

• Total enrollment: 35,732
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, social sciences, health professions, psychology, engineering
• Freshman retention rate: 90%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 15%

Student Reviews

I've had the opportunity to participate in activities that have made me grow as a person, such as research labs, tutoring, and college athletics. This school offers so many different possibilities in terms of experience and career, and it's a very accepting school of people from all different backgrounds.

SDSU offers incredible opportunities to students! The opportunity to study at one of the best public schools in the nation, the opportunity to get involved on campus, the opportunity to develop leadership skills, the opportunity to network with incredibly successful alumni, and of course the opportunity to enjoy one of America's most beautiful cities! My biggest advice is to take advantage of these opportunities! I've gotten involved with Greek Life, Associated Students, Rotaract (Community Service Organization), and clubs within my major. I can say with complete confidence that by taking advantage of those opportunities, I have set myself up for a successful and rewarding future!

I enjoyed my online courses at SDSU. With professors that were familiar with using an online platform, I found the courses very convenient and sometimes better than my experience with in person classes. To keep the students engaged with each other we used many break out sections with smaller groups and discussion boards to discuss our readings. I believe there are many classes that could be taught online allowing students who live further from campus save money on the commute.

Cal Poly Pomona

Pomona is located about 45 minutes east of Los Angeles. Its population is about 150,000. The city is home to the Pomona Fairplex. Pomona offers students a diverse, urban environment outside of a big city.

• Total enrollment: 29,103
• Most popular areas of study: Business/management, hospitality management, biology, civil engineering, mechanical engineering
• Freshman retention rate: 86%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 10%

Student Reviews

Cal Poly Pomona is quite welcoming and diverse. It definitely made a statement to ensure that diversity was something to be embraced.

CPP has given me a decent college experience so far. The "learn by doing" philosophy is present within the curriculum. There are a handful of professors that have been very helpful in ensuring that you do the best that you can in their class. Social, academic, or career opportunities are available, but somewhat difficult to seek out. Something that I wish would change is the class registration process. I wish there were more available classes so that students get the classes that they need instead of being stuck on a waitlist or not even being able to add the class. In addition, I wish that there were more informed counselors so that students can get personalized help with registering for classes or graduating on time.

I love my school. Cal Poly Pomona specializes in engineering, and I am majoring in Industrial Engineering. I came from a small high school, and being that Cal Poly Pomona is smaller in size compared to some other California universities, this school was the perfect transition for me. The campus is beautiful, the people are kind, and I have been able to take several awesome engineering courses so far. One of my favorite experiences was when I took an engineering course by the name of "Engineering, Society, and You", or EGR 100. Within the laboratory portion of this course, I was able to build a mini rose float with my class. Every year, Cal Poly Pomona creates a float made of natural materials for the Rose Parade. Within my lab, I was able to help build a miniature version of last year's float. It was a very exciting project, although it required much time and effort. This assignment strengthened my patience, and group-working skills. I will always remember my class' mini float. If I could choose a college to attend all over again, I would not change a thing. My school is perfect for my major and intended future career. The educational aspect is right for me, and the overall environment is wonderful as well.

CSU Fullerton

Fullerton is located in northern Orange County, about 45 minutes south of Los Angeles. The population is roughly 140,000. Fullerton is pretty close to Disneyland. It has more of a suburban feel. Students tend to feel like they have to join clubs and get involved on campus to make friends and have a more enjoyable college experience.

• Total enrollment: 40,087
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, health professions, psychology, social sciences
• Freshman retention rate: 88%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 6%

Student Reviews

The campus is small and very close to downtown Fullerton and Disneyland. I recommend doing more than just going to school: interact with clubs, go to teacher office hours, and sign-up on events on campus to get the full experience of being at CSUF. The campus is old, but slowly are adding modern improvements to the campus. The campus is good and is close to a lot of places a student might go such as parks, restaurants, mall, or movies. The degree you get here is the same everywhere else and probably cheaper too.

First off, I am really happy that I chose the college I am attending now. It is a huge commuter school and I am one of those commuters. I have met some really great people and hope to make more new friends through the next few years. I think my experience thus far would be different if I actually lived on campus or in the off campus apartments. I feel as though I would be more involved and really help me explore what else is out there. The campus is very pretty and has many art statues and productions around campus. Each college on campus has their own unique area, but come together to provide students with multiple resources. One thing I would change about my school is the parking. It being a commuter school, they need more parking options, and to lower the parking pass price.

So far, I am very excited about all the opportunities that Fullerton has to offer. I am already involved with activities and clubs. I have chosen classes with academic advisors and am developing many new relationships with people from different parts of California.

CSU Long Beach

Long Beach is located on the Pacific Coast in Los Angeles County. It's about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach is in between Los Angeles and Orange County. There are about 470,000 residents in Long Beach. Also, it's a very diverse city, and that's reflected in the demographics at CSU Long Beach.

• Total enrollment: 39,434
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, health professions, social sciences, consumer/human sciences
• Freshman retention rate: 87%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 8%

Student Reviews

My school is extremely diverse, which I think makes it unique, and full of friendly, approachable students. Although if I could do it all over again, I wish I could have chosen a college that would feel more like a college experience, as many students at my school commutes and there virtually no fun campus life.

I attended community college prior to coming to Cal State Long Beach and this was my dream school while I was in high school. I was so excited to come to this school. While I would of loved to go to a school that had a major football team, this is what was going to fit my family's budget, location and degree. I got everything I wanted out of school and more. My department had amazing teachers that were incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, which made advising super simple. I have zero complaints about my experience.

I love that at CSULB I am taught by professors who really care about my education and who push me to succeed on a daily basis. I also enjoy all the academic resources, such as the University Library and the 24 hour study place in the student union, as well as the extracurricular resources, such as the bowling alley in the student union and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, just to name a few! Lastly, CSULB has amazing psychological counseling services available to students everyday, who make the transition to college as well as overcoming the common college obstacles so much easier to tackle.

Bill Erickson/Flickr

Cal Maritime Academy

Cal Maritime is located in Vallejo. Vallejo is in between San Francisco and Sacramento on the northeastern shore of San Pablo Bay. Its population is about 120,000. Vallejo is a very diverse area. Cal Maritime doesn't have many academic offerings, but it's a great option if you're interested in one of its programs.

• Total enrollment: 880
• Most popular areas of study: Only six majors: business administration/international business and logistics, facilities engineering technology, global studies and maritime affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, and mechanical engineering.
• Freshman retention rate: 82%

Student Reviews

California State Maritime Academy is a small university that offers you the chance to really get to know your classmates and teachers. That being said it is a majority male school going into the male-dominated maritime industry. There is only one dining center on campus with pretty bad food and the dorms aren't that great either. Campus amenities are small but decent. You are required to wear a uniform while on campus and stand watches either on the ship, in the engine room, or in the parking lot box depending on your major. It does have a lot of alumnae connections and graduates tend to be high earning.

This school focuses solely on the Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Business Departments. Each one of these programs has been skillfully developed and is taught by experienced professors to deliver a stunningly successful learning environment.

The diversity for majors is pretty small. Generally people come here already knowing what they intend to major in. This is fantastic if you know what you want to do with your education at age 18. Crippling if you don't.

San Jose State

San Jose is the third largest city in California by population. Only Los Angeles and San Diego are larger. It has about 1 million residents. San Jose is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known as the capital of Silicon Valley. Many high-tech industries and start-ups are in or near San Jose.

• Total enrollment: 33,848
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, engineering, health professions, visual/performing arts, social sciences
• Freshman retention rate: 89%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 13%

Student Reviews

SJSU is a super diverse campus and there's always something to get into. However, it is very impacted making trying to get into classes almost impossible.

San Jose State University is located in a great location. It is walking distance to many popular places in Downtown, and it is located in the Silicon Valley where there are always job opportunities. There are also plenty of extra curricular activities available, on and off campus. I have met a great number of people who have made the best out of their experience at SJSU and have come out of it with a great career and enjoyable memories.

Obtaining an internship and career at SJSU is amazing, because we are in the heart of silicon valley and only 45 minutes from SF, there is a lot of opportunity here because employers want to hire us.

CSU Monterey Bay

CSU Monterey Bay is located in the city of Seaside in Monterey County. The college is actually on an old military base. Seaside is about 2 hours south of San Francisco and an hour south of Santa Cruz. The population is about 34,000. It's only a couple of miles east of Monterey, which is an upscale coastal city that features the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

• Total enrollment: 6,995
• Most popular areas of study: Liberal arts, business/marketing, psychology, parks & recreation, public administration
• Freshman retention rate: 81%

Student Reviews

California State University Monterey Bay is an amazing school focused on sustainability, marine life and biology. Although I am not a biology major, I am very proud of the ways my college has focused on being Eco-friendly and doing its part in helping the environment.

It's a small, but growing college so a lot of attention is given to students. There are so many opportunities as well for all students such as scholarships, research projects, jobs, etc. There is also an outstanding amount of care from advisors if you begin to slip and they walk you through everything and do their best at assisting you in any way.

This school is definitely not for everyone. My experience has had good parts and bad parts. My biggest tip would be to get involved on campus or in a club. And, bring a car if you can. The parking pass is kinda high in price but life will be so much better with a car.

Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library (CSU Monterey Bay/Flickr)

CSU Fresno

Fresno is the largest city in the Central Valley of California. It's in between Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are about 500,000 people in Fresno, but the area is still associated with agriculture and many of the surrounding cities are heavily involved in agricultural production. Even though Fresno State is a commuter school, it does offer big-time college sports, and there's more school spirit there than at some of the other Cal State schools.

• Total enrollment: 24,946
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, health professions, liberal arts, law enforcement and protective services, psychology
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 5%

Student Reviews

I honestly love California State University, Fresno. Not only are the educational and sports aspects of the college amazing, but the unity and school spirit are more than I could have asked for. The people I have met and friendships I have formed will last a lifetime. I would choose this school again in a heartbeat. Bulldog born, bulldog bred!

It is a good school with a lot of resources available to students. However, there are many things that can be improved to make student life easier and better such as more food options on campus, better transportation systems including bikes. Also, I do not feel safe. At all. As a Criminology major, classes get filled up so fast and many are only offered at night which leaves me to worry about walking in the dark, something I shouldn't be fearful of in my own campus. More than anything, I should not have to push back my graduation year or semester due to not being able to enroll in the classes I need even if I am a senior already. This is absurd.

Great school for a great price. Tuition is very affordable in comparison to other schools. Student life is great. Many opportunities to meet people in clubs or activities. The Henry Madden Library is AMAZING.

CSU Chico

Chico is about an hour and a half north of Sacramento and 3 and a half hours from San Francisco. It's one of the few Cal State campus locations that can be considered a college town. There's not much going on in Chico unrelated to the college. The population in Chico is about 90,000. It's close to the Sierra Nevada mountains.

• Total enrollment: 15,421
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, social science, health professions, parks & recreation, psychology
• Freshman retention rate: 81%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 2%

Student Reviews

I love everything about the school! The lovely college town, the beautiful campus, the professors and advisors in my major, the facilities available to students, and how could I not mention the large variety of outdoor activities right on our doorstep! Love love love Chico State. Best decision ever!

Such a true college town atmosphere! It has been great getting a fresh start away from my home town. I love every experience I have had here, good or bad. Each experience adds to the overall experience of being in college. I couldn't ask for a better time than being here.

Partying is an integral part of the Chico way of life. The entire community surrounding the campus comes to life on the weekend; you can walk from street to street and always find a house party that'll welcome you in.

Suzi Rosenberg/Flickr

CSU Stanislaus

CSU Stanislaus is located in Turlock in Stanislaus County. Turlock is about two hours southeast of San Francisco, and it's about two hours west of Yosemite. Its population is about 73,000. It offers a small town vibe and the smaller student body at CSU Stanislaus gives it more of a community feel.

• Total enrollment: 10,028
• Most popular areas of study: Business, psychology, criminal justice, liberal arts, nursing
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 8%

Student Reviews

I wouldn't choose any other school than CSU Stan. Most of the professors will do anything to see their students succeed and that is something very important. In addition, I enjoy our beautiful campus it just makes me feel happy and relax every time I have to walk between classes.

The professors and advisers really helped me to understand the steps that I need to take in order to receive my degree. They are very helpful.

My online learning experience with Stan State was amazing and a great experience. There were online tutoring sessions that you could attend for your classes and their services are completely free and a great opportunity to take advantage of especially during this past year of learning online. My professors were all great, informative, and cared about your success and well being during the pandemic. I look forward to the reopening of campus in Fall 2021!

CSU Los Angeles

Cal State LA is located in the eastern part of Los Angeles facing the San Gabriel Mountains. Cal State LA is five miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and the second largest in the US. Its population is almost 4 million. Like many of the other Cal States, Cal State LA is known for its diversity.

• Total enrollment: 27,029
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, social sciences, health professions, psychology
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: .3%

Student Reviews

I have been able to meet new people from all around the world. They have opened my eyes to new experiences and cultures. My school is very diverse which is why I love it, being able to interact with other students on a daily basis helps me improve my communication skills and those students may help me become successful in the future. My overall experience has been very active, full with new activities and opportunities.

I love Cal State LA, the professors are very friendly and are always willing to help out their students. The atmosphere is great, there is a variety of different cultures. The only complaint I have is that the parking is horrible but, overall I could not ask for a better college experience.

It is not as easy to get the classes that are needed for my intended major. The guidance is not really there to help figure out which classes are needed in order to get my BA.

San Francisco State

San Francisco is a densely populated city on the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula. It's known for its cool summers, hills, diversity, progressive politics and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its population is about 884,000. San Francisco is about a six hour drive from Los Angeles. The rich San Francisco culture permeates the San Francisco State campus.

• Total enrollment: 26,620
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, social sciences, health professions, visual/performing arts
• Freshman retention rate: 86%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 41%

Student Reviews

I love the location of my school, the weather and the professors. I would just like to see a larger athletics program because right now the sports on campus aren't very popular. Also, a campus more Greek affiliated would be nice.

I love the diversity I see on campus and in my classrooms, I'm meeting people from all over the U.S. Also since the school is very close to the city there are many volunteer and job opportunities. The school is very accepting and open to all people and I find that safe and comforting.

I think San Francisco State is a great university. It has one of the best Spanish programs in California. My favorite part about SF State is that it is in ¨The City.¨ You will always have something to do. San Francisco is so rich in culture and SFSU reflects that. The school has such a big international population that you have the chance to make friends with students from all over the world. I would recommend San Francisco State University to any student looking for a school in California.

If you want more of a party-ish school or a school with a lot of school spirit, it's not here. Most people are commuting so they go straight home after classes. I'm not really a party person but I want the option of going instead of trying to hunt down parties that are off campus (all parties are basically off-campus).

SFSU Cafeteria (Michael Ocampo/Flickr)

Cal Poly Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt is located in Arcata in Humboldt County adjacent to the Humboldt Bay. Arcata is about 280 miles north of San Francisco. Like Chico, it's also a college town. Arcata's population is about 18,000. Humboldt State is known for its beautiful natural environment, and its students have a reputation for being a tad on the hippie side.

• Total enrollment: 5,739
• Most popular areas of study: Biology, social sciences, visual/performing arts, business/marketing
• Freshman retention rate: 74%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 27%

Student Reviews

My overall experience at school so far has been amazing. I love how it's so different from back home and how people are so friendly. Even when they don't know you they take the time to say hello. I love how our campus is surrounded by redwood trees and it's only a 5 minute walk and you're in the forest. Not only do we have beautiful trails in the forest but we also have the ocean. At the highest point on campus you can get a beautiful view of the water with the background of the sunrise or sunset.

There is no other place I would rather be getting my education than at Humboldt State University. The general atmosphere of the school is pleasant and welcoming. The towering redwood trees surrounding the school inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for natural beauty that to the same degree I have not felt before. Inside the classrooms the professors are experts in their various fields and are, from what I have experienced, professional and deeply invested in the progression and education of each individual student. Not once have I felt that my professor is simply there for a paycheck. Also, as a science major, there is nothing comparable to being able to study diverse fungi, plants, or wildlife in class and then walk five minutes into the Community Redwood Forest on campus to see those same organisms living and functioning in their natural habitats. That is an experience I think is somewhat unique to Humboldt State University.

I enjoy the environment at Humboldt State. There are many good vibes that surround it and that the people bring. It is very green, calming and peaceful to be in. It is a small town, which is what I enjoy; I'm not very much into the big city life. Majority of the people here are hippies so it's nice being around people that are just like me.

Sonoma State

Sonoma State is located in Rohnert Park, which is a city in Sonoma County. Rohnert Park is about 50 miles north of San Francisco and its population is about 42,000. Also, Sonoma State is near wine country, where a ton of premium wine is produced. Rohnert Park isn't the most exciting area, but it's peaceful and close to more vibrant cities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

• Total enrollment: 7,182
• Most popular areas of study: Business, psychology, sociology, liberal arts, criminology
• Freshman retention rate: 78%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 37%

Student Reviews

There isn't much to do outside of classes or in the area so it is necessary to join clubs or get involved on campus in order to enjoy your time. The classes are not very difficult and there are some not so great teachers, but if you can get into the right classes there are some amazing teachers! Registration for classes is very competitive and could set you back if you are in an impacted major. I have enjoyed going to school here, but there are definitely things that could make the school much better.

I would say that Sonoma State is designed to help students with academic success. There are services in place to help students with special needs. Professors are more than supportive and the workload is usually reasonable.

The size of Sonoma State was perfect for my college experience. I met some of the greatest people and truly had wonderful relationships with most of my professors. Especially in state, it was also much more affordable than some other options. I was worried that attending a state school would not be as impressive to graduate programs, but with the amount of opportunities to get involved and the support, I was recently accepted! The campus and dorms are truly unmatched, it's beautiful and does not take 25 minutes to walk across campus! Overall, the best four years of my life!

CSU San Bernardino

San Bernardino is about 1-2 hours east of Los Angeles, depending on the traffic (there's usually traffic). The city of San Bernardino has a population of about 216,000. San Bernardino is often considered to be a diverse, blue-collar city. At CSU San Bernardino, because it's a commuter school, there isn't much of an on-campus community.

• Total enrollment: 19,182
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, psychology, social sciences, health professions, law enforcement/protective services
• Freshman retention rate: 78%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 4%

Student Reviews

It's a commuter school so there really isn't much to do on campus but there are events here and there you can look forward to.

California State University of San Bernardino is an amazing campus with extraordinary professors that want to see their students excel. My time so far at this school has been remarkable and given the opportunity, I'd choose this school over and over again. The staff and students are all friendly and helpful in making sure that every single person is succeeding. I couldn't be happier with my school, and my decision to become a San Bernardino Coyote! Go Yotes!

There is no sense of community on this campus, even at the campus housing level. It is a commuter school that does not place much emphasis on building a community of proud students. Students treat attending school as a chore and avoid housing or staying on campus in general. A possible factor is the low socio-economic status of the area.

I love my school because how diverse it is and the opportunities they have. For opportunities my school is always throwing events for students to learn how to network. I believe this helps us get ready for the real world and our careers.

CSU Channel Islands

CSU Channel Islands is located in Camarillo, which is between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Camarillo offers a suburban environment, and it has a population of about 65,000 people. CSU Channel Islands is the newest CSU campus—it opened in 2002. Also, CSU Channel Islands is close to beaches and the very popular Camarillo outlet stores.

• Total enrollment: 6,437
• Most popular areas of study: Psychology, business, biology, nursing
• Freshman retention rate: 94%

Student Reviews

I love CSU Channel Islands! I have grown so much both academically and professionally. I have made many great memories and friends and I have encountered excellent professors. I feel that the professors are encouraging and help lead to success. I have also had the opportunity to build rapport with my professors in a professional manner. I have also been able to get out of my comfort zone and network which has led to amazing opportunities, such as job shadows and special projects, that I could have never imagined I would have been capable of doing. The resources available on campus, such as the Writing and Multiliteracy Center and the Career Development center are invaluable to help us succeed. I truly enjoy studying at this university and the environment is beautiful.

I love the location of my school, it pushes the students to focus on their academics because there aren't many attractions close to the school. Its very relaxing, we have the beach really close which i think is an advantage of this Cal State, a lot of the Cal states don't have beautiful beaches like we do. The staff and faculty are amazing people, they want you to graduate and they show it, there's a lot of help you can find if you need it which is great!

The financial aid department is terrible. I had to email five people before I finally got a response to my question. Scholarships are easy to apply for, just have to fill out a general application and write a small essay. They even gave me an even better scholarship once it became available.

CSU Northridge

Northridge is in the San Fernando Valley of the greater Los Angeles area. Northridge has a population of about 27,000. It offers a suburban environment. I grew up about 30 minutes from Northridge, and I remember some kids in elementary school having their birthday parties at a roller skating place in Northridge called Skateland. That's a random piece of nostalgia, so it's probably not helpful. The CSUN campus is large and its student body is diverse.

• Total enrollment: 38,551
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, social sciences, psychology, health professions
• Freshman retention rate: 82%

Student Reviews

I like coming here however it is lacking school spirit. We need a football team, also registering is terrible because there are not enough professors to accommodate all the students.

My school is unique for its diversity and for the wonderful people that attend as well as the wonderful people that are there to help the students succeed. It is a wonderful school with full of professionals that have had experience in the field they are teaching. And not to forget the University Student Union is always having events for its students such as noon concerts or craft corner, at CSUN we have the right amount of education and fun.

I feel as though this is a great school. I have had a few great classes, and have had the opportunity to interact with some outstanding professors. Getting the classes you need becomes a challenge, and there are too many students for my liking.

CSU Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital of California. It's about 2 hours northeast of San Francisco. Its population is roughly 501,000. Sacramento is an extremely diverse city. The CSU Sacramento campus has a reputation for being very scenic.

• Total enrollment: 31,573
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, education, social sciences, public administration and social services
• Freshman retention rate: 84%

Student Reviews

It's a pretty good school. It is pretty impacted though. It's hard to get into classes so it takes a while to graduate. But we do have a new president who wants to help us graduate in time.

The campus is beautiful, the area can get very warm but with over 3,000 trees around, there's plenty of shade. Only downside to having so many trees is allergy season, it get to me every time but I still love the area. The people and staff are friendly and very helpful, it is very easy to find a good and cheap place to eat in the area. There are a variety of different programs and degrees available, plus there are great advisers to help with where to go and what to do. I can't wait to start school again in the fall!

I overall love my experience at California State University, Sacramento! I appreciate the diversity of the campus. It makes me feel like I belong on campus. During club days, I can physically see how diverse the campus is. There are many clubs students are able to join. I specifically found my place in the organization, Kappa Psi Epsilon Sorority Incorporated. I do not regret joining the org. I especially appreciate President Nelsen during this hard time. He does his best to address issues such as crimes on campus, racial discrimination, etc and gives the student body reassurance during this pandemic. I can feel how genuine he is and how much he cares

CSU San Marcos

San Marcos is a city in the northern part of San Diego County. It has a population of about 96,000. It's about 35 minutes north of the city of San Diego.

• Total enrollment: 14,503
• Most popular areas of study: Parks & recreation, social sciences, business/marketing, family/consumer sciences, health professions
• Freshman retention rate: 80%

Student Reviews

Cal State San Marcos is a really relaxing school it's easy to stay focused on your work as well as enjoy your college experience. The city itself is nature filled mountains and hiking spots everywhere and a beautiful place to live in let alone study and train in. It's exciting to be able to go to such a beautiful school in a great small city with huge adventures.

San Marcos is an awesome area to go to college at. I lived on campus and it was fun meeting people and going out with my roommates on days I didn't have homework. They always have activities to do on campus.

I really wish that I chose a school further away from home. I feel that being able to live on your own and independently is a big part of the college experience, and i was a big part of what I was looking for. Cal State San Marcos was a major fall back because it was not my top choice and I think that the main reason i chose to go there was because of the affordability.

CSU Bakersfield

Bakersfield is about 110 miles north of Los Angeles and south of Fresno. It's a hub for agriculture and oil production. Even though it's about an hour and a half from LA, it's a completely different environment. I've met people with southern accents who are Bakersfield natives, and there happens to be a big annual rodeo in Bakersfield. CSU Bakerfield has a Division I athletic program and the team name is the Roadrunners.

• Total enrollment: 10,624
• Most popular areas of study: Liberal arts, psychology, social sciences education, mathematics
• Freshman retention rate: 77%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 4%

Student Reviews

California State University of Bakersfield (CSUB) is a wonderful university to attend. It is between a small and medium sized campus that students will have enough to explore for a while. The staff and students at this university are very kind and more than willing to help. The professors are more than happy to make time to listen to their students who need help and will encourage students to ask questions and to go to tutoring if they need help. They even are happy to help students one on one if there is time available for both the student and the professor. One of my favorite experiences is fairly recent. I have joined Computer Science as an introductory course and I fell in love with the class. I learned how to program in the language C++ and the professor encouraged students to pursue a Computer Science degree because of the many wonderful things programming and coding involve. How it is everywhere around us. I would definitely choose this school again because of all the support the students receive.

A smaller school in a small almost metropolitan town, the citizens are a little bit pushy with their conservative beliefs and it makes meeting people difficult.

The advisors there are amazing and will do whatever it takes to meet your requirements and help you out with finances and classes. However some departments are better at communicating with students than other departments. The professors are also great at communication and will work with you when you need it.

CSU Dominguez Hills

CSU Dominguez Hills is located in Carson. Carson is in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area. It's 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and has a population of roughly 93,000. Carson is another extremely diverse California city. There is a high percentage of non-traditional students at CSU Dominguez Hills.

• Total enrollment: 16,916
• Most popular areas of study: Business/marketing, health professions, psychology, social sciences, liberal arts
• Freshman retention rate: 78%
• Percent of students who live in campus housing: 5%

Student Reviews

Overall, the school is in OK condition. There are professors that genuinely care about you, and others that don't. This school really focuses on helping you out, and it seems like most of the workers here really want you to succeed. There is a good atmosphere here.

This school is a diamond in the rough! I wish more people knew about this school or considered it. It's not as big a campus as LB or Fullerton, but the fact that it's smaller makes it more intimate. Professors are more in tune and communicative with their students. The staff has done a phenomenal job with the programs. I advocate for the Toro Nation every chance I get. I guarantee you will not be disappointed in attending here. The education is quality and the experience is priceless.

The teachers really take time with their students. I wish the campus had more updated classrooms and buildings, but that doesn't affect the teachers or students. The application and acceptance process is quick and simple, compared to other schools. Everyone I've had contact with via the phone/email is extremely friendly and helpful. My favorite part about Cal State Dominguez Hills is the availability of classes. I got the exact schedule I wanted, with the teacher I wanted. In class, it's not crammed with as many students as possible, which allows the teacher to really teach their students. Overall, the school is great and I would recommend applying here to other prospective students.

CSU East Bay

CSU East Bay is located in Hayward. Hayward is in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. It's about 20 minutes south of Oakland and about 45 minutes east of San Francisco. Hayward has a population of about 160,000. It's extremely diverse, and that's reflected in the student body at CSU East Bay.

• Total enrollment: 13,499
• Most popular areas of study: Business, health professions, social sciences, psychology, public administration
• Freshman retention rate: 80%

Student Reviews

I'm happy with my school choice. My school is extremely diverse and it makes the school very unique. You get the chance to meet a lot of different people from a lot of different lifestyles and cultures. My school also has an amazing campus life, they have a lot of great events going on. But the thing I love the most about my school is the view, East Bay is on the top of a hill and overlooks the San Francisco Bay. So it looks amazing all day long especially during the sunsets. I've enjoyed my time at East Bay so far and plan on finishing my degree there.

Despite only just entering CSUEB, it is an average experience. I've had problems with getting financial aid, and faculty does not seem very keen to assisting me with simple questions, but most of my classes so far, I know, are going to be memorable ones. I feel like the smartest in all my classes though, but chose this school as it is the closest to my home.

My experience has been relatively decent academically. The professors are helpful for the most part and know their stuff. The administration could do with some retraining since most of the time they are not helpful when you have an issue with classes or payments.

How Do You Decide Which CSU Schools to Apply To?

One benefit of applying to Cal State is that you can apply to multiple campuses at the same time. If you apply online, your information will be saved so you don't have to reenter it for each school you apply to. Furthermore, there's no application essay. It's rather easy to apply; however, you shouldn't apply to schools you have no desire to attend. Also, unless you qualify for a fee waiver, which is only available to California residents, there's an application fee of $70 for each campus you apply to. 

Look at the list of schools you're applying to. Make sure you have at least a couple of safety schools. To consider a college a safety school, you should have at least an 80% chance of gaining admission. To determine your odds of admission for a particular college, you can google the name of the school and "PrepScholar admission requirements." On the school's profile, you can use the admissions calculator that will help you roughly determine your chances of getting accepted to that college.

Many students apply to CSUs as safety schools. To see if you meet minimum eligibility requirements for CSUs, determine your eligibility index. Remember that you should exceed the minimum requirements for impacted campuses and majors.

Next, eliminate the schools you know you don't want to attend. Research each of the campuses and consider what's important to you in a college. Factor in the school's size and location. Furthermore, determine which schools have the majors and programs that interest you.

CSU San Marcos Softball (SD Dirk/Flickr)

How Do You Decide Which CSU to Attend?

Choose which CSU to attend the same way you would go about choosing any college. Consider which factors are most important to you in a college. Look at the school's website and use college finders, search websites, guidebooks, and ranking lists to help you in the college selection process. You can also use CSU Mentor to learn more about each of the CSU campuses.

Generally, most students pick which CSU to attend based on its location, size, or selectivity. For the majority of students who attend CSUs, location seems to be the biggest priority. Many students choose to attend the CSU that's closest to home. They're able to save money by living at home, or they can easily go home, if need be. But if you want an on-campus living experience, many CSU schools provide that as well. 

I would always encourage my students to at least consider a school that's farther away. Sometimes students have to live at home due to financial or family situations, but I think it's preferable to live on campus and not return home on a daily basis. You'll have more fun, become more independent, and be able to participate in more on-campus extracurricular activities.

Regardless, you should go to the college where you'll feel the most comfortable and be most excited to learn.

The next biggest student priority seems to be the size of the student body. In the CSU system, there are very big schools like CSU Northridge, CSU Long Beach, and CSU Fullerton; there are medium-sized schools like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CSU Chico, and CSU Dominguez Hills; and there are smaller schools like Humboldt State, CSU Monterey Bay, and CSU Stanislaus. Some students prefer the individualized attention and community of a smaller school while others enjoy the diversity of classes, programs, and activities that you'll find at bigger schools.

Also, selectivity and academic reputation are important considerations for some students. For instance, Cal Poly SLO is generally viewed as the top CSU, but it's a polytechnic school and may not be the best place for you if you're interested in the humanities or social sciences. Just because a school is ranked highly doesn't mean it offers the degree programs or opportunities you're looking for! Refer to the rankings and acceptance rates to get an idea of the selectivity of the different CSUs.

Furthermore, keep in mind that different CSUs have different majors and programs. For example, because Sonoma State is located near wine country, it's home to the Wine Business Institute, where you can earn a wine business management certificate. If you're interested in a specific major or program, or if you want to compare the majors offered at the different CSUs, I recommend using CSU Mentor or a college finder like Big Future to quickly and easily compare the different colleges and get a complete list of the available majors.

Finally, finances can play a role in your college decision. While tuition costs are the same for each CSU, you may get more financial aid at one of the campuses. Or, you may save money by living at home. Additionally, the cost of living in the area of the school may be a factor. San Jose and San Diego are pricey areas. Especially If you're living off-campus, it's significantly cheaper to live in Turlock, Chico, or Fresno.

Great Valley Center/Flickr

What's Next?

If you're trying to find selective schools that you have a good shot of getting into, check out this post on target schools.

If you're not sure you want to attend college in California, I recommend learning more about where in the country you should go to college.

Finally, if you find the diversity of the CSUs appealing, read my article about the most diverse colleges in the country.