Freshman Admissions

A first-time freshman is a student who has earned, or is about to earn, a high school diploma (or GED) and has not earned any college credits beyond the summer immediately following their high school graduation.

Already earned college credit after that summer? You're a transfer applicant - see how to apply as a transfer.

First-time freshman admission is offered for Fall term only.

Fall 2027 Admissions

Cal State Apply application opens for preview on August 1
Priority Application Filing Period is Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2026
Open to domestic and international first-time freshman applicants
Admission requirements must be completed by end of Spring 2027
For a term's specific deadlines, visit Admissions Deadlines.

Your Admissions Process

Common Questions

Application Deadlines

When's the deadline to apply?

Spring 2027: Spring admission is not open to first-time freshmen.
Fall 2027: Applications for first-time freshmen are open from October 1-November 30, 2026. (Application opens for preview on August 1.) For more information, see Undergraduate Deadlines.

Financial Aid

How much will it cost to attend? Am I eligible for financial aid?

Cal State LA offers an affordable education! On average, the cost of two full-time semesters is approximately $7,160*. However, other costs are associated with attending college—food, transportation, housing, etc.

Cal State LA Estimated Cost of Attendance
Most students will be eligible for financial aid via loans, scholarships, grants, or even work-study. Visit Financial Aid here.
Eligible non-CA residents from WICHE states may also qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition discount.

*Please note that all student tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Read the full CSU disclaimer here.