CCC to CSU
Information on the pathway from a CCC to a California State University/Cal Poly School
Easy way to a CSU: Associates Degree for Transfer (ADT)
These requirements must be fulfilled by any upper-division transfer student seeking admission to a CSU or Cal Poly campus.
CSU-wide Upper Division Transfer Basic Requirements
These requirements must be fulfilled by any upper-division transfer student seeking admission to a CSU or Cal Poly campus.
Minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units of CSU-transferable coursework completed by admission
Minimum of a 2.0 GPA in transferrable coursework
Complete 10 General Education courses
30 semester/45 quarter units with a C- or higher
*More information below.
Be in good standing at the last college/university you have attended
CSU General Education Requirements
All CSU transfer students must fulfill general education requirements before transferring. These requirements can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, learn more below.
One transferrable course in Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning
It is highly advised that students complete this requirement at least two terms before transfer.
Two transferrable courses in English Composition
It is highly advised that students complete this requirement at least two terms before transfer.
Four transferrable courses from at least two of these areas:
- arts and humanities
- social and behavioral sciences
- physical and biological sciences
Each of these courses must be at least 3 semester units/4 quarter units. Each course must be completed with a C or Pass grade (only if a Pass grade is equivalent to a C at the college where the course was taken)
AP scores may be used to satisfy these requirements (except for one of the two courses in English Composition)
Choosing your Major & Completing Major-Specific Requirements
When applying to UCs as an upper-division transfer, you are required to choose primary & alternate majors on the application. Choosing your major will also help you to know what additional requirements you’ll need to fulfill and what courses you need to take.
CSU External Exam Credit
CSU grants credit for passing scores on AP, IB, and CLEP exams. Click below to view what credit you’re able to receive.
Transfer Major Requirements & ASSIST
Most majors at CSU campuses require that you complete a certain set of preparatory work before transferring, ASSIST is a website that can help you figure out what coursework you need to complete to successfully transfer.
CSU Application and Review Process
The CSU Application can sometimes be difficult to navigate and transfer students are often left in the dark about the review process that occurs after they submit their application, we’re happy to help clear some of that confusion up.
How can I increase my CSU admission chances?
- CCC-Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
- Upper-Division Transfer (UDT)
- Lower-Division Transfer (LDT)
- The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The CCC Associate in Art for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees consist of 2-year fully transferable degrees to CSUs. They are no more they 60 semester/90 quarter units. Students who meet the eligibility requirements of the CCC-ADT program are guaranteed priority admission to a CSU campus (it may or may not be for a specific campus or major).
Requirements for ADT consist of having earned or been approved for an AA-T or AS-T at the time you apply, having completed a minimum of 18 semester/27 quarter units and an approved set of GE (general-education) requirements, submitting your CSU application, submitting all requested materials, meeting CSU admission eligibility requirements for programs being applied to, and any additional requirements at the time of application.
Additional requirements for ADT STEM majors:
| IGETC | GE Breadth | |
| All courses | Areas 1, 2, 5 | Areas, A, B, E |
| Two courses | Areas 3 and 4 | Area C (one in Area C1 and one in Area C2) |
| One course | N/A | Areas D and F |
Those who have at least 60 semester/90 quarter transferable units completed by the start time at a CSU are considered UDT applicants.
In addition to the unit minimum, requirements for UDT consist of having an overall college GPA of at least 2.00, being in good standing, and having completed 10 GE courses (30 semester/ 45quarter units) of basic skill courses with a grade of C- or better and four courses of the following areas:
| GE Breadth | IGETC | |
| Area A/Area 1 | Oral Communication (A1), Written Communications (A2), Critical Thinking (A3) | Written Communications (1A), Critical Thinking (1B), Oral Communications (1C) |
| Area B/Area 2 | Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) | N/A |
Those that have completed 59 or less transferable semester units (89 or less quarter units) by the start time at a CSU are considered LDT applicants.
Eligibility varies by campus but the CSU-wide requirements consist of having completed a-g course requirements in high school, having graduated from high school or received a GED/certificate, meeting the Eligibility Index required for an incoming freshman, having an overall GPA of 2.00, being in good standing, having completed 10 GE courses (30 semester/ 45quarter units) of basic skill courses with a grade of C- or better, a course in GE Section A2 (written communication), and a course in GE section B4 in mathematics or quantitative reasoning.
Many CSU campuses have higher admission standards for nonresident (out-of-state and international) students. It is recommended that at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units be completed before applying to transfer to a CSU, with 30 semester/45 quarter units of GE requirements in written communications, speech, critical thinking, and quantitative analysis (mathematics) being completed for a higher chance of admission.
The EOP program was created as a form of more accessibility for historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. All CSU campuses have an EOP, which helps students with admission, academic, and financial assistance. Those who do not meet the eligibility requirements of regular admission are eligible to apply through EOP, by filling out the supplemental EOP application along with two letters of recommendation. Deadlines vary by campus.
Eligibility requirements for CSU EOPs are stricter than CCC EOPs, so be aware that qualifying for the EOP at a CCC does not automatically make you eligible for the EOP at a CSU.
CSU Application Timeline for Fall Admission
| October 1st | FAFSA (federal financial aid application) opens |
| October 1st | Fall Priority Application Filing Period opens. Deadlines are highly specific to each CSU campus and vary based on enrollment type or status. Many campuses and majors will still accept applicants after the priority period deadline. |
| December 2nd | Fall Priority Application Filing Period closes. Deadlines are highly specific to each CSU campus and varies based enrollment type or status. Many campuses and majors will still accept applicants after the priority period deadline. |
| January – May | Students who applied for the Fall term are notified about their admission status |
| March 2nd | Deadline for FAFSA – submit this application so when accepted to a CSU, you’re able to seek financial aid – more information is available on the “Paying for a CSU” section of this website. |
| January to the end of May | For Fall admission, the “Golden Four” (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) courses must be completed |
| End of May to the middle of August | For Spring admission, the “Golden Four” (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) courses must be completed |
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End of June or mid July
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In this time period, each campus will ask you to submit official transcripts, complete trainings/orientations, submit additional information for financial aid, etc. Deadlines are highly specific to each CSU campus. All CSU campuses have a transcript deadline of July, except for Fresno (June 30th), Monterey Bay (July 8th), San Bernardino (July 1st), and Sonoma (July 10th). The CalState website offers a Transfer Student Application Checklist to ensure all required materials are submitted. |