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

Some majors are not accepting transfer applicants for Spring 2026. Please check this list before applying:

❌ Lower-Division Transfer Applicants

• Chinese (BA)
• Computer Science (BS)
• Criminal Justice (BS)
• Fire Protection Administration and Technology (BS)
• French (BA)
• Nursing - Basic Pre-Licensure BSN (BS)
• Psychology (BA)
• Social Work (BA)
• Television, Film, and Media Studies (BA)

❌ Upper-Division Transfer Applicants

• Chinese (BA)
• French (BA)
• Nursing - Basic Pre-Licensure BSN (BS)

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

For the most up-to-date information on document deadlines and program availability, visit the Admissions Deadlines page.

 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

Admitted? Head to the New Transfer Admits page for your next steps and important dates.

 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

 Didn’t Get In?

If you’re not admitted, we hope you consider applying to other institutions to keep your college plans on track. You still have excellent options!

 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