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 30 semester/45 quarter units of general education courses, including one course in each of the following four areas with a grade of C- or better:

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, 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. EOP can admit some students who don’t meet regular admission requirements, though only a small number are admitted this way. To apply, complete the EOP section of your Cal State Apply application, which asks for the names and email addresses of two people who will write you letters of recommendation. The general deadline for the EOP section is January 15 for fall admission and September 15 for spring admission. Check that the campus you want is accepting EOP applications for your term.

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.

The CSU Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) guarantees you admission to the CSU campus and degree program you choose, as long as you meet all TSP requirements within three years. Which programs are offered depends on the campus.

You can join TSP if you’re enrolling at a California Community College and haven’t earned any college credit since finishing high school or getting your GED. Summer classes right after high school graduation and dual enrollment classes taken in high school don’t count against you. The TSP agreement period runs from August 1 to October 31.