Returning Student Admission

This page is for former Cal State LA undergraduate students who:

• Were previously enrolled in a degree-seeking bachelor’s program
• Completed at least one term with grades other than W or WU
• Have been away for more than 2 years or were academically disqualified

 Returning Transfer Student

You are a Returning Transfer Student if:

• You’ve been away from Cal State LA for more than 2 years or were disqualified
• And you have completed units at another college/university or through PaGE since leaving Cal State LA

Returning Transfer Students follow the same eligibility rules and deadlines as new transfer applicants. They also receive local preference in admission review. 

➡️ Visit the Transfer Admission page for full details. And if you left Cal State LA in disqualified academic standing, see the Disqualification section for additional steps.

 Returning Student

You are a Returning Student (non-transfer) if:

• You’ve been away from Cal State LA for more than 2 years or were disqualified
• And you have not taken any college coursework or PaGE units since leaving

Readmission is based on:

• Your prior academic performance at Cal State LA*
• Your ability to complete your degree in a timely manner

If you’re applying to a new major: You must meet any major-specific admission requirements and show that you can graduate on time.

*If you left Cal State LA in disqualified academic standing, see the Disqualification section for additional steps.

 Additional Info for Disqualified Students

If you were academically disqualified from Cal State LA, you’ll need to meet additional readmission criteria and follow a few extra steps, including meeting with an advisor.

➡️ See Disqualification section below for details

Follow the steps below based on your returning student type:

 Returning Transfer Students

Reminder: Returning Transfer Students follow the same application process as new transfer applicants.

• Apply online through Cal State Apply
• Spring 2026 deadline: August 31, 2025
• Fall 2026 deadline: December 1, 2025

Spring 2026 applicants: All admission requirements must be completed by the end of Summer 2025.

After applying:

• If previously disqualified, meet with your intended major’s advisor. They’ll submit the Petition for Readmission from Disqualification within 30 days of your application.
• If changing majors, you must:
  • Meet the Major-Specific Criteria for the new major
  • Receive support from your previous major department
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended since leaving Cal State LA:
  • Fall readmission: Include grades through the prior Fall
  • Spring readmission: Include grades through the prior Summer

We’ll notify you by email after your application is submitted and once a decision is made. Be sure to check your email regularly and respond to any document requests.

 Returning Students (Non-Transfer)

• Apply online through Cal State Apply
• Spring 2026 deadline: August 31, 2025

•  Fall 2026 deadline: March 31, 2026

If you were disqualified or are changing majors:

• Meet with your intended major’s advisor
• Your advisor must submit the Petition for Readmission from Disqualification within 30 days of application
• You must meet Major-Specific Criteria for the new major and get support from your prior department

If you have NOT taken college courses since leaving Cal State LA:

• We may be able to make a decision without additional documents
• You’ll be contacted by email if anything else is needed

  Additional note: If you last attended Cal State LA more than 3 years ago:

• Resubmit transcripts from all other colleges (excluding Cal State LA)
• If you originally entered as a freshman, you may be asked to resubmit your high school transcript

If you were academically disqualified from Cal State LA, you must meet specific readmission conditions and follow additional steps during the application process.

 Timeline & Eligibility

• You must wait at least two semesters before reapplying for admission
• Your Cal State LA cumulative GPA must meet the minimum below at the time you apply

 Additional Notes

• Units earned at other institutions can help improve your overall GPA, but not your Cal State LA GPA
• To fix your Cal State LA GPA, you may enroll in courses through Open University via the College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE)
• Readmission after disqualification is not guaranteed, even if you meet the minimum GPA and wait time

 Readmission Petition Steps

• Meet with an academic advisor in the major you are seeking readmission to within 30 days of your Cal State Apply application submission - see next section for College Advisor contact information.
• After your meeting, your advisor will submit the Petition for Readmission from Disqualification to the Admissions Office.
• If you are changing majors, you must also:
  • Meet the Major-Specific Criteria for the new major
  • Receive support from your previous major department

Most returning students do not need to schedule an advising appointment prior to readmission.

However, if you were academically disqualified from Cal State LA, you are required to meet with an academic advisor in the major you are seeking readmission to. 

To schedule your advising appointment: Email the advisement center for your intended major - see below for their contact information.

Not sure which major to return to?
If you're exploring or undeclared, contact the University Academic Advisement Center (UAAC) at [email protected].

We’ll notify you about your admission decision by email - so keep an eye on your inbox!

•  We use the preferred email address listed in your GET Student Center. Update it if needed at my.calstatela.edu.
•  To avoid missing messages, mark @calstatela.edu as a safe sender in your email account.

 What to Expect

You’ll get an email notification once we’ve reviewed your application and any required documents.

  Reminder: Admission offers may be withdrawn if:

• Grades, coursework, or GPA don’t match what you reported
• You miss required deadlines or fail to submit documents

Double-check your application for accuracy!

Admitted? Visit the Newly Admitted Returning Students page for what to do next.

 How to Accept Your Offer

• Pay the non-refundable $100 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit (ECD)
• Fall admission: Pay by May 1
• Spring admission: Pay by November 1

The ECD offsets a portion of your State University Fee and confirms your intent to enroll. You must also submit all required documents within 30 days of your admission offer.

 What if I’m not admitted?

If you're not offered readmission, we encourage you to consider applying to other institutions to keep your college plans on track. You’re still building toward your degree!

 Can I appeal my admission decision?

Yes. If you believe you were eligible for admission, you may submit an appeal.

• Appeals must be submitted within 15 days of your denial notification
• Include a written explanation and any supporting academic documents
• You’ll receive a response by email within 4-6 weeks
• Only one appeal is allowed per term

➡️ Learn more on our Admission Appeals page.