Returning to Cal State LA

Now that you've identified your student type, review the application process that applies to you below. Each process includes specific requirements, deadlines, and instructions for returning to Cal State LA. 

You are Returning if:

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

YOU MAY NOT NEED TO REAPPLY: If you left Cal State LA in good academic standing and you have been absent for less than 2 years, you may not need to reapply. You should submit the Return from Educational Leave form instead. If you have questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Returning Transfer Students

You are a Returning Transfer Student if:

  • You have been away from Cal State LA for more than 2 years or were academically disqualified; and
  • You have completed units at another college/university or through PaGE since leaving Cal State LA.

The application process for Returning Transfer Students is the same as the process for new Transfer students. Click below to learn more.

Transferring to Cal State LA

Returning Students

You are a Returning Student if:

  • You have been away from Cal State LA for more than 2 years or were academically disqualified; and
  • You have not taken any college coursework or PaGE units outside of Cal State LA since leaving.

How to Apply:

Admission decisions are based on your coursework, grades, and test scores. Please be ready to submit your documents to the Admissions Office when requested to do so.

Applying to Cal State LA

 

Apply to Cal State LA

  1. Before you apply, review degree and admission requirements for your intended major. Select majors will be asked about progress toward major-specific requirements for admissions.
  2. To view available programs for an admission term, see Cal State Apply Dates & Deadlines
  3. Apply online at Cal State Apply before the term's Returning Student Application deadline.

After applying, you’ll get an acknowledgement email from [email protected]. If you don’t receive it within two weeks of submission, please follow up with us. If you were academically disqualified from Cal State LA, see Returning from Disqualification for additional steps.

Ready to Apply? Start Your Application  (opens in a new window)  

Submitting Transcripts and Documents

 

Transcripts & Documents

If you have been away for more than 3 years, you will need to resubmit your official transcripts (and if any, test scores). 

Notes:

  • If you first entered Cal State LA as a freshman, you may be asked to resubmit your high school transcript.
  • If you first transferred to Cal State LA as a lower-division transfer student, you may need to resubmit your high school transcript and college transcripts from all schools attended (excluding Cal State LA).
  • If you first transferred to Cal State LA as an upper-division transfer student, you may need to resubmit your college transcripts from all schools attended (excluding Cal State LA).

Submitting Additional Documents

 

Additional Documents

In certain cases, we may require supplemental documents to complete your admission file:

  • AP/CLEP/IB score reports: Send official scores (other colleges’ credit doesn’t transfer).
  • California Residency for tuition purposes - This is requested if we need to confirm that you qualify for in-state tuition. Visit the Residency webpage for more info.  
  • Military Veterans - If you're a veteran, please send your discharge papers (Form DD 214) and military transcripts (like AARTS or SMART) for college credit. 
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