California State University
Attend an online CSU workshop to learn how to navigate the Cal State Apply application for the California State University (CSU and Cal Poly) system.
California State University (CSU) Transfer Requirements
With 22 campuses statewide, the California State University system is the nation's largest four-year public university system.
Interested in creating a transfer plan and/or checking your transfer status? Schedule an appointment with an academic counselor by visiting the Counseling Office located in the center of Fountain Hall, scheduling an appointment in Starfish, or calling 805-378-1428. Listed below are resources for more information about transferring to a CSU campus. See our WORKSHOPS area for currently schedule dates and times.
Click here to search for degrees offered at CSU campuses.
Click here to apply to CSU campuses
Application Requirements
To be admitted as an Upper Division Transfer Student (UDT), you must complete the following requirements:
- a minimum of 60 semester units of transferable coursework;
- have an overall college GPA of 2.00; your GPA is calculated using all your transfer units attempted
- be in good standing at the last college or university attended (i.e. you are eligible to re-enroll in at your last college or university);
- Have completed 10 courses (30 semester units) of CSU GE courses with a C- or better, and specifically, your Golden Four courses (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning.
There is a single application for all CSU campuses. Visit CSU Apply for the CSU application and select the term you would like to apply for. Generally, applications for Spring transfer is open during the month of August, and applications for Fall transfer open in October. See below for application timelines and resources to assist you with your application. In addition, the University Transfer Center holds in-person application reviews before submitting your application.
Resources
University of California (UC)
Attend an online University of California (UC) workshop to learn how to navigate the UC Apply application for the University of California system.
University of California (UC) Transfer Requirements
There are nine UC campuses that offer both undergraduate and graduate education. One third of UC students are transfers, and California community college transfers are prioritized over other transfers.
By attending the University Transfer Center workshops, we prepare you to successfully apply for a UC of your choice.
If you have any questions, please be sure to visit the University Transfer Center at 805-378-1536. See our WORKSHOPS area for currently schedule dates and times.
Click here to apply to UC campuses
UC Application Requirements
Complete the 7-course IGETC pattern by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment at UC
2024-2025 IGETC or 2025, 2026, 2027 Cal-GETC - click here to view coursework that will meet these general education requirements. We recommend to meet with a counselor to develop and update your comprehensive educational plan.
Complete at least 60-semester units of UC-transferable credit.
Earn at least a 2.4 GPA in UC-transferable courses (2.8 if you are a non-resident). Keep in mind that some majors require a higher GPA for admission selection.
Complete the required/recommended courses needed for your intended major with the minimum grades. Visit ASSIST to view major preparation coursework expected by each campus.
There is a single application for all UC campuses. Click here for the UC application and select the term you would like to apply for. Generally, applications for Spring transfer are open during the month of July, and applications for Fall transfer open in October.
Resources
Common Application
Are you planning to transfer to a private or out-of-state college/university? The Common Application is different from applying to a UC or CSU, and has about 900 private and out-of-state university options. Also, when applying to a private or out-of-state university, the minimum requirements to transfer may vary, as some may allow in as little as 30 transferrable units. To confirm the transfer requirements, deadlines, and more, please schedule an appointment with an academic counselor. Attend our online Common App workshop to learn how to complete the Common Application. See our WORKSHOPS area for currently schedule dates and times.
Additional Common Application Videos:
- "How To Videos" for all sections of the Common Application - Presented by SBCC Transfer Center
Application Requirements
The transfer process generally requires the following:
- Complete minimum number of transferable units (each may vary)
- Complete appropriate English and math requirements (if required)
- Complete general education courses (as requested)
- Complete major preparation courses (as requested)
- Have a competitive GPA
- Apply on time!
The application process for private and out-of-state universities vary by campus. Nearly 900 private schools accept the Common Application, a platform through which applicants can apply to multiple campuses at once. Although multiple campuses may exist on one application, each campus may have different submission deadlines and requirements. For assistance, please consult with the University Transfer Center or an admissions representative from your transfer university of interest.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have an excellent academic track record. While only about 17 percent of black undergraduate students attend an HBCU, more than 28 percent of African-Americans who receive a bachelor’s degrees obtain them from an HBCU. HBCU’s are leading institutions in awarding degrees to African-American students in the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering programs. California community college students who complete certain academic requirements are guaranteed transfer to a participating HBCU thanks to an agreement signed March 17, 2015 between the California Community Colleges and several HBCUs.
CAL-HBCU Transfer Grant Program
The Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant (Cal-HBCU) Program awards up to $5,000 to participating students who transfer from California Community Colleges to eligible, partnered Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Click here for the list of eligible HBCUs.
Transfer Guarantee Program Benefits:
- Guarantees admission to all partner institutions.
- Application fee waiver code available to the online Common Black College Application.
- One Application for up to four participating partner schools.
- Pre-transfer advisement by program staff and institution representatives.
- Priority consideration for campus housing (when deadlines are met).
- Priority consideration for scholarships for students with a 3.2 GPA or higher based on institutions' available funding.
HBCUs were established primarily to serve the higher education needs of the African-American community, however they are open to students of all ethnicities. There are more than 100 HBCUs in the country, with most located in the South and on the East Coast.
Meet the HBCU Transfer Guarantee Pathway Staff:
- Dr. Arynn Auzout Settle - Project Director | aauzout@elcamino.edu
Requirements:
Any California community college student with a GPA of 2.0 or higher (NOTE: certain partner HBCU may require a higher GPA) is guaranteed admission to all partner HBCU institutions using either of the following two options. While attending a California Community College:
Option 1
Complete an Associate Degree (ADT) using the Cal-GETC, IGETC, or CSU GE Breadth general education pattern.
Option 2
Complete a minimum of 30 UC or CSU units.
Those students completing a Associates Degree (Non-ADT) are welcomed to apply to all partner institutions, however, the benefit of guaranteed admissions is not offered and all degree applicable units are subject to transcript evaluation.
Events:
HBCU Caravan 2026 Information will be updated soon
Scholarships:
HBCU Scholarship
