Transfer Admissions

Cal State LA admits both lower-division and upper-division transfer students. Choose the category that applies to you:

Important Notes:

• All requirements must be completed by:
  • Spring for Fall admission
  • Summer for Spring admission
• Meeting minimum CSU transfer requirements does not guarantee admission

• Some majors are competitive and have additional criteria. This includes:

  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Fire Protection Administration
  • Music (BM)
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • TV, Film & Media Studies
  • Urban Learning – Teacher Prep

  ➡️ View major-specific requirements

Here’s what to expect when applying to Cal State LA as a transfer student:

 Step 1: Choose a Major

• You must declare a major when applying — no changes after submission
• Review degree and admission requirements for your intended major before applying

 Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Apply online at Cal State Apply
• Spring 2026: Apply between August 1–31, 2025
• Fall 2026: Apply between October 1 – December 1, 2025
• Need help? Visit our Application Tips page

Important: If you’ve attended a U.S. college, you’ll need to enter your full transfer coursework into the application. You’ll also be asked about progress toward major-specific admission requirements.

Inaccurate or incomplete information may affect your admission decision.

 Step 3: Update Your Coursework (Fall Only)

• Fall Applicants: In January, you’ll need to update your academic record to include Fall grades and Spring enrollment
• Spring Applicants: No update needed. Just be ready to submit official transcripts if offered admission

Don’t send transcripts or other documents unless we request them.

 Step 4: Submit Official Transcripts (If Admitted)

Admission is based on your self-reported information. If admitted, you must:

• Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Lower-division admits must also submit a high school transcript
• Meet the terms of your offer — decisions may be withdrawn if info was incorrect or if deadlines are missed
• Transcripts are due within 30 days of admission offer

 Additional Documents May Be Required

• ADT Students: Must verify you're on track to complete your degree by Spring (for Fall) or Summer (for Spring)
• AP/CLEP/IB test takers: Send official scores (other colleges’ credit doesn’t transfer)
• Residency: Some students may need to submit additional documents. See our Residency page
• Veterans: Submit DD-214 and military transcripts (AARTS, SMART, CCAF, etc.) — these may count for transfer credit

We’ll keep in touch with you throughout the admissions process — mostly by email. Make sure your contact info is up to date!

•  We’ll use the email address you provided in your Cal State Apply application.
•  Update your email anytime in your GET Student Center under “preferred email.”
•  To avoid missing messages, mark "@calstatela.edu" as a safe sender in your inbox.

 Admission Timeline

• Fall admission decisions: Typically sent in November and March
• Spring admission decisions: Usually in September
• All offers are provisional and based on self-reported information in your application.
• Admission offers may be withdrawn if:
  • Your final GPA or course grades don’t match what you reported
  • You miss any deadlines or required steps

 How to Accept Your Admission Offer

• Pay the non-refundable $100 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit (ECD)
  • Fall deadline: May 1
  • Spring deadline: November 1
  • The ECD offsets part of your State University Fee
• Submit all required transcripts within 30 days of your admission offer

 Can I Appeal My Admission Decision?

Yes — if you believe your application was denied in error, you may submit an appeal:

• Appeals must be submitted within 15 days of your denial notice
• Include your reason for appeal and any supporting academic records
• We’ll respond by email within 4–6 weeks
• Only one appeal may be submitted per term

➡️ Learn more about how to submit an appeal

Not ready to transfer just yet? You can still plan ahead and secure your future at Cal State LA!

 A Degree with a Guarantee (ADT)

Students at California Community Colleges can earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) — a fast track to a CSU bachelor’s degree.

• Complete an ADT in a qualifying major (e.g. ADT in Psychology → BA in Psychology)
• Transfer to Cal State LA with junior standing
• Finish your bachelor’s with just 60 more CSU units

➡️ Learn more at ADegreeWithAGuarantee.com

 Transfer Success Pathway (TSP)

Cal State LA participates in the CSU’s Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) program for recent high school grads starting at a California Community College.

• Sign a contract early in your Community College journey
• Get guaranteed admission to Cal State LA for a future term
• Receive personalized support and degree planning

➡️ Learn more at our Transfer Success Pathway page