California State University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

California State University, Long Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco rank highest for international student services, offering dedicated International Student Centers, cultural programming, and enrollment that reflects over 100 countries.

All 23 CSU campuses use the semester calendar, with two primary terms per year. There is no quarter system, so graduation timelines are consistent: four years for most undergraduate programs and 1-2 years for master’s programs, depending on course load and prerequisites.

Housing varies by campus; on-campus residence halls usually accommodate 20-30% of students. Applications open as early as November for fall intake and fill quickly. It’s recommended to apply within one month of admission to secure a spot.

Yes. The CSU Fully Online initiative lets enrolled CSU students take online courses at other campuses while paying only their home campus tuition. Systemwide planning is underway to enable broader cross-campus registration.

Applications are delayed or rejected due to missing or uncertified transcripts, insufficient English proficiency scores, failure to present proper visa documentation, or application to restricted campuses/majors where nonresident enrollment is limited.

Transfer of international credits relies on course-by-course evaluation. CSU accepts AP, IB, and CLEP credits for general education. International transcripts must be officially evaluated for U.S. equivalency, then reviewed by the home campus.

 International students on F-1 visas are eligible for on-campus employment up to 20 hours per week during the semester. While federal work-study is limited to U.S. citizens, CSU offers a variety of campus jobs, including library, dining, and research assistant positions, open to international students.

Every campus offers disability accommodations under Executive Order 926 and Executive Order 1053, including exam adjustments and assistive technology . Systemwide mental health funding totaled $15.8 million to expand counseling and crisis support.

CSU Long Beach and CSU Fullerton are near the Los Angeles and Orange County business corridors, while San Jose State is in Silicon Valley, providing direct access to tech, business, and entertainment industry internships. These locations facilitate strong employer partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities.

Most campuses offer summer “bridge” programs in English, STEM, or college readiness aimed at first-gen and international students. For example, San Diego State runs a six-week bridge course before fall start, including orientation and academic coaching.

The CSU alumni network, with over 4 million members worldwide, is highly engaged in career mentoring, networking events, and job referrals. Many campuses have formal alumni career services and industry partnerships that actively support recent graduates in securing employment.