Admissions

General Admission

Evaluation of Admission Eligibility

After an applicant receives an acknowledgment from Cal State East Bay that their application has been received, they will be requested to submit required documents (i.e. official transcripts, test scores, etc.). It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that all official transcripts are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from previous institutions attended by the deadline specified on the University’s deadlines page. Neither evaluation of transcripts and test scores nor determination of eligibility is possible until all required documents have been received.

• First-time freshmen must submit official transcripts of high school work (grades 9-12). If an applicant is still in high school, they must submit transcripts of work as instructed and a final transcript after graduation.  If college courses were taken, official final college transcripts must be submitted.
• If an applicant is applying as an undergraduate transfer, graduate, or post-baccalaureate student, they must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended by the deadline specified on the University’s deadlines page, regardless of length of attendance, and even if no work was completed.
• If an applicant is an international student or non-U.S. citizen, they may be required to submit additional records. See International Admissions Requirements in this chapter.

Note: The University has the obligation to determine whether a transcript will be accepted as official. All transcripts and records submitted for admission or readmission become the property of the University. Students may access their academic records according to policies and procedures established by the campus. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities they have attended so their entire academic experience can be evaluated. Failure to do so will be grounds for denial of admission or readmission or for dismissal from the University.

Returning Students

Undergraduate Cal State East Bay students seeking a first Bachelor’s degree and who do not enroll in classes for three consecutive semesters must reapply for admission to the University. 

Returning students who were previously disqualified should first set up an appointment with a readmission counselor by emailing readmission@csueastbay.edu. Students who were previously administratively disqualified should first consult a counselor in the General Education office located in the Student Services and Administration Building on the Hayward Campus.

How to Apply

To apply, submit an online application via Cal State Apply and select Undergraduate Admission Application. Applications are accepted during the application filing periods.

Applicants will be notified upon receipt of the updated application. Applicants do not need to send in official transcripts unless they have attended a college or university since their last enrollment at Cal State East Bay.

This policy does not apply toward admission for a second bachelor’s degree.

Alternative Admission Criteria for Adults 25-years and Over

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if he or she meets all of the following conditions:

1. Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
2. Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
3. If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.

Credit for AP & IB Tests

Cal State East Bay grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) program tests. Students will be granted college credit for each test completed, depending upon the specific discipline.

Also see the Undergrad Baccalaureate & Program Requirements  chapter. 

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit For Experiential Learning

Cal State East Bay grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, which has been recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide, ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training and/or National College Credit Recommendation Service. The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the ACE Military Guide and/or the ACE National Guide to Educational Credit for Workforce Training.

Please consult the appropriate academic advisor or graduate coordinator for further assistance. 

Note: Lower division, occupational courses designed to train technicians are not acceptable for university credit. Credit granted for non-collegiate instruction is not generally applied to general education or major requirements.  In the event that general education credit is granted, credit is limited to 3 units in Area E.  Credit granted outside of general education is limited to 3 units.  Therefore, the maximum amount of credit is 6 units overall.

Undergraduate Credit for Demonstrated Learning, Knowledge, or Skills Acquired Through Experience

Academic credit can be given by a program for documented learning, knowledge, and skills acquired through experience.  Academic credit can be awarded for a specific undergraduate major course, general education course, or elective course.

Undergraduates must meet the following conditions before seeking academic credit for documented learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience.

1. The undergraduate must be matriculated at Cal State East Bay and have satisfactorily completed 15 units towards their degree at CSUEB.

2. The undergraduate experiential learning experience must articulate to a specific undergraduate major course, general education course, university-wide course or elective course.  

3. Students should meet with their academic advisor to determine if their experiences may meet the course learning outcomes to be awarded academic course credit.

4. If the advisor concludes that their experience appears to meet specific course outcomes for their degree, the advisor will refer the student to the appropriate department for final verification and subsequent evaluation of their experience.

5. Students can appeal decisions regarding credit for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills through experience.

Departments can choose appropriate assessment methodologies for experiential learning course credit.  These may include, but are not limited to, written examinations, portfolios, personal interviews, demonstrations and/or other means of assessment. Faculty and/or subject matter experts may create and evaluate assessments in accordance with department academic standards for credit for experiential learning.  In some cases, as deemed appropriate by the department, supporting documentation may be obtained from a field supervisor and/or employer.  No instructor or department is obliged to offer experiential course credit.

For those programs that are externally accredited, departments should contact their accrediting agencies to ascertain if they allow credit towards the major for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience.  If their accrediting agency does not, departments should communicate this information to the student.

The course credit assessment for demonstrating learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience must be administered during the first two weeks of the term and the results submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the fifth week of the term.

For students who enter with prior two-year and/or four-year course credit awarded on the student’s official transcript for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience, Cal State East Bay will accept this credit for articulation and transfer, as long as the course credit is based on current system-wide articulation.

No more than 30 semester units of credit obtained through experiential course credit may be applied toward the baccalaureate degree. No credit earned through experiential course credit may be used to satisfy the requirement of 30 semester units in residence at Cal State East Bay.

Programs may contact Academic Programs & Services (aps@csueastbay.edu) for further assistance on credit for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience. 

Graduate Credit for Demonstrated Learning, Knowledge, or Skills Acquired Through Experience

Academic credit can be given by a program for documented learning, knowledge, and skills acquired through skills acquired through experience.  Academic credit may be awarded for a graduate course.

From the revised Executive Order 1036, graduate students must meet the following conditions before seeking academic credit for documented learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience.

1. The graduate students must be matriculated at Cal State East Bay and have satisfactorily completed 3 units towards their degree at CSUEB.

2. The graduate experiential learning experience must articulate to a specific course in the student’s graduate program.  

3. Students should meet with their graduate advisor to determine if their experiences may meet the course learning outcomes to be awarded academic credit.

4. Students can appeal decisions regarding credit for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills through experience.

Under no circumstances may credit for prior learning exceed 25% of the units for the degree program.

Departments can choose appropriate assessment methodologies for experiential learning course credit.  These may include, but are not limited to, written examinations, portfolios, personal interviews, demonstrations and/or other means of assessment.  Faculty and/or subject matter experts may create and evaluate assessments in accordance with department academic standards for credit for experiential learning.  In some cases, as deemed appropriate by the department, supporting documentation may be obtained from a field supervisor and/or employer.  No instructor or department is obliged to offer experiential course credit.

For those programs that are externally accredited, departments should contact their accrediting agencies to ascertain if they allow credit for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience.  If their accrediting agency does not, departments should communicate this information to the student.

Programs may contact Academic Programs & Services (aps@csueastbay.edu) for further assistance on credit for demonstrated learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience.

Credit for Military Training and USAFI

Cal State East Bay grants six (6) semester units of credit toward a baccalaureate degree for a student who completed basic training in military service of the United States, in accordance with the recommendation of the American Council on Education.  Three (3) of these units may be applied toward General Education Area E.

Note: Credit is not given for completion of the six month reserve training programs.

Commissioned officers may receive an additional six (6) semester units, which may be considered upper division elective credit. In order to receive such credit applicants must present written certification from a recognized military authority, such as papers from a military separation center (service form DD-214 or DD-295) or a Joint Services Transcript (JST). Credit for specific courses may be allowed if the student has satisfactorily completed equivalent study in a military service school. The guidelines of the American Council on Education are followed in determining eligibility.

Cal State East Bay is a Servicemember Opportunity College (SOC).

Also see: Military & Veterans Information & Services  chapter.

Declaration of Major Objective

An applicant who is applying for admission must state an objective (major and degree) to be pursued.  Once enrolled at the University, faculty and advisors are available to assist students in selecting a major and degree program if another major is a better fit. The responsibility for meeting the specific requirements of a program or major rests with the student, but the advisor or the department chair of their selected major will help the student determine the courses remaining for completion of major requirements.

Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student qualifies to pay university fees at the in-state or out-of-state rate. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University are California Education Code sections 68000-68086, 68120- 68133, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900- 41915. This material can be viewed by accessing the California State University Office of General Counsel website.

Each campus’s Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of that campus’s new and returning students based, as applicable, on the student’s Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and, as necessary, other information the student furnishes. A student who fails to provide sufficient information to establish resident status will be classified a nonresident.

Residency Requirements

Initial Determination: Eligible Immigration Status, Physical Presence and Intent

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency (see Immigration Information), meet physical presence by the Residence Determination Date, and demonstrate intent to indefinitely remain in the State of California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date. If the student is under the age of 19 (with limited exceptions), the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or from that of the legal guardian.

Requirements for Residency for Tuition Purposes

Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2022 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2022, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2021.

Intent: California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD) and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day) before the RDD.

Documents must include the student’s name, the student’s California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. For students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian’s name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian’s immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency; therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.

Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.

Eligible Immigration Status

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (all eligible visas can be found at www.calstate.edu/residency). 

Students in the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Humanitarian Parole, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students who are adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.

Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the university Admissions Office.

If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions, such as California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, commonly known as AB 540. Nonresident students (including US citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented individuals, including students with a T visa U visa, DACA, Humanitarian Parole (certain countries), Special Immigrant Juvenile, asylum, refugee, or Temporary Protected Status) may be exempted from paying nonresident tuition. Students seeking the AB 540 Exemption must satisfy attendance and graduation/transfer requirements from a California school (e.g., K-12, adult school, and community college).

Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2024 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2024, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2023.

Residency Determination Dates

Intent: California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD) and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day) before the RDD.

Documents must include the student’s name, the student’s California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. For students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian’s name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian’s immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency; therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.

Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California. For a complete list of acceptable supporting documents, please visit www.calstate.edu/residency under Intent.

Residency Exceptions and Exemptions

Students not classified as California residents for tuition purposes may qualify for an exception or an exemption from payment of nonresident tuition. Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68086 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906- 41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can only be determined after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither the university nor the Chancellor’s Office staff may give legal advice, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal advisor.

Reclassification - Financial Independence (only applies to continuing students)

A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term; however, reclassification requires that, in addition to satisfying the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state, the student must also satisfy the requirement of financial independence as outlined in Title 5 CCR § 41905.5. To do so, the student must contact the appropriate person in the campus admissions office and complete a Residency Questionnaire Form and provide supporting documents.

41905.5. Residence Reclassification - Financial Independence Requirement

• Any nonresident student requesting reclassification to resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate financial independence.
• Student has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by his/her parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
• Student has not and will not receive more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per year in financial assistance from their parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
• Student has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of their parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
• Note: Students who receive a government scholarship and/or financial assistance should be viewed the same as state and federal financial aid, and athletics grants-is-aid; and should not be counted as parental support.
• Effective Fall 2020 academic term, if the student meets at least one of the following criteria, the student does not have to meet the financial independence requirement. Student must provide the university admissions office supporting documents (e.g. state income tax returns, court documents, marriage certificate, military order form) that demonstrate they meet the criteria.
  • Dependent on a parent who has California residence for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date;
  • Enrolled in a graduate or postbaccalaureate program, regardless of age;
  • Turned 24 years of age by the residence determination date;
  • Married or registered domestic partner as of the residence determination date;
  • Active duty members serving in the U.S Armed Forces;
  • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • Legal dependent other than spouse or registered domestic partner;
  • Former ward of the court, foster youth or both parents are deceased;
  • Declared by a court to be an emancipated minor; or
  • Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residency Appeals

A student classified as a nonresident may appeal a final university decision within 30 days of notification by the university. Appeals will be accepted only if at least one of the following criteria applies:

1. The decisions was based on:
   1. A significant error of fact by the university;
   2. A significant procedural error by the university; or
   3. An incorrect application of the law which, if corrected would require that the student be reclassified as a California resident; and/or
   4. Significant new information, not previously known or available to the student, became available after the date of the university decision classifying the student as a nonresident and based on the new information, the classification as a nonresident is incorrect.

Instructions to submit an appeal and additional information can be found on the California Residency for Tuition Purposes website.

Appeals via email, fax and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability who is requesting an accommodation to submit an appeal through the California State University (CSU) website should contact Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at residencyappeals@calstate.edu.

The Office of the Chancellor will either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the university for further review.

A student incorrectly classified as a resident or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition is subject to reclassification as a nonresident or withdrawal of the exception and subject to payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student may also be subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. A student previously classified as a resident or previously granted an exception is required to immediately notify the Admissions Office if the student has reason to believe that the student no longer qualifies as a resident or no longer meets the criteria for an exception.

Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) & Summer Bridge

Established in April of 1969, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission and retention support services to low-income and educationally disadvantaged California residents who demonstrate the motivation and potential to succeed in college. EOP identifies and admits students who have the potential to succeed at California State University campuses, but who have not achieved their educational goals because of economic and/or educational background. EOP provides students with the resources, tools and skills to ensure academic and personal success through a variety of academic support services. These services provided by EOP include recruitment, preadmission counseling, special admissions, a Summer Bridge program (for entering EOP freshmen), specialized orientation sessions, academic advisement, personal counseling, skill-enhancement workshops, career guidance, peer advising, support groups, social/cultural activities, referral services, and EOP grants for eligible students.

Summer Bridge is a transition program for a select group of newly admitted Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) freshmen students to prepare them for their first year at Cal State East Bay. This intensive college readiness program is designed to provide incoming EOP exception admit freshmen with the following academic, social, and multicultural experiences to smooth their transition from high school to the University’s environment:

• Provide classes in English and Mathematics to enhance academic skills
• Acquaint students to the University and its many resources
• Provide workshops in the foundations of college success
• Make new friends
• Meet college professors
• Work with their counselors and peer advisors
• Select Fall semester classes
• Provide cultural and social activities

EOP accepts students who qualify for regular admission, as well as a limited number of students who do not meet regular admission criteria. Only low-income and educationally disadvantaged undergraduate students who need admission assistance and/or support services to succeed at Cal State East Bay are admitted to EOP. Additionally, students must be first generation college students, meet the income eligibility criteria, and either be California residents or AB 540.  They must also demonstrate academic potential and motivation to succeed.

To apply for admission to the program, prospective students must complete the online CALSTATE Apply Application for Undergraduate Admission and check the appropriate box for EOP services. Once the Cal State East Bay application is submitted (online), EOP applicants will receive an online EOP link and have access to complete the EOP Applicant Information Form and two EOP recommendation forms. Students must have all three documents submitted in order for their EOP application to be complete.

EOP is a high-demand program which only accepts applications for Fall term from applicants new to the CSU system. Currently enrolled and/or previously enrolled students (not formerly in an EOP CSU program) are not eligible to apply. Applicants who submit all required documents will be reviewed and if selected, will be admitted to EOP. All EOP freshmen receiving exception admission are required to attend the EOP Summer Bridge program as a condition of their admission for Fall term.

For assistance or for further information about EOP and the Summer Bridge program, please visit the EOP Office at Student and Faculty Support (SF) Building 224, or online at www.csueastbay.edu/eop. Prospective applicants can also email eopadmissions@csueastbay.edu or call (510) 885-4683 for more information.

Programs Leading to Licensure & Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from Credentialing Student Services Center or see the College of Education & Allied Studies website.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

(Students in Biological Science, Educational Psychology, Engineering, Kinesiology, Liberal Studies, Nursing, and Teacher Education, in particular should be aware of these provisions.)

First-time Freshmen Admission

California Resident Freshmen Early Start Program

The Early Start Program serves CSU admitted freshmen who have not demonstrated proficiency in written communication and/or mathematics/quantitative reasoning as determined by systemwide placement standards. Participation in the Early Start Program is required for students needing skills development in these areas; students will be expected to enroll in a written communication course or a mathematics/quantitative reasoning course (but not both) during the summer period prior to the start of the fall term. Students required to participate in the Early Start Program may choose to enroll at any CSU campus; the earned baccalaureate credit will be transferred seamlessly to the student’s destination campus. 

The goal of the Early Start Program (ESP) is to: 

• Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of freshman year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• If required to participate in ESP, as determined by multiple measures, students will begin in the summer before the start of the freshman year.
• For general information about ESP including fees and course listings, visit csustudentsuccess.org/earlystart. Students are encouraged to visit the campus website for ESP information once admitted.
• Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit ESP fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Early Start Program, please visit www.csustudentsuccess.org

Admission Requirements for First-Time Freshmen

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements:

1. Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE);
2. Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses;
3. Have completed, with grades of C- or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”); and
   • The CSU will accept “Credit” or “Pass” grades to satisfy “a-g” requirements completed during Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and during Winter, Spring or Summer 2021 terms. The CSU expects and assumes that high school Pass (Credit) grades will represent work completed at the C- or higher level. As of Fall 2021 and forward, grades are expected for courses.
4. Earn a qualifying “a-g” grade point average (GPA) as described below.
   • California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA.
   • Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the university admission decision.
   • Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 or greater “a-g” GPA along with other supplemental factors utilized by the individual university, including those outlined by impacted universities and programs.
   • Any Non-California resident earning a GPA between 2.47 and 2.99 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the university admission decision.
5. Each CSU will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students.

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility Submitted test scores by admitted students would be considered only for purposes of student placement in Math or English courses.

Provisional Admission

California State University, East Bay may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The university will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A CSU may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or university, have met all supplementary criteria.

Subject Requirements

The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater or music
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list

Placement Measures for First-Year GE Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses

Freshman skills assessment and placement for general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on systemwide skills assessment standards that include the Early Assessment Program/ Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA.

Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment.

These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs.

First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program.

The Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Programs offers pathways and academic and social support that align with each incoming student’s needs.  The programs’ goal is to ensure that first time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year.

Assessments and Placement for GE Written Communications Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement.

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test

• 3 or above: AP Language and Composition
• 3 or above: AP Composition and Literature

College Transfer Coursework

• Completed approved college course that satisfies CSU GE Area A2 (written communication) with a grade of C- or better

Placement in a GE Subarea A2 English Course

• The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

English CAASPP/EAP Test:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test:

• 550 or above
• 510 - 540 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better English

ACT Test:

• 22 or higher
• 19-21 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted GPA 3.3 or above
• GPA 3.0 or above and completed approved 12 grade year-long English course (AP, CSU ERWC, Weighted Honors English)
• GPA 3.0 or above and completed Honors English
• GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test:

• 510 - 540 and 4 or more years of high school English

ACT Test:

• 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school English

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted GPA 3.0 or above and 4 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course and Participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess.org to learn about this program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non-Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors) Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• 3 or above: Calculus AB
• 3 or above on AP Calculus BC
• 3 or above on AP Statistics
• 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

SAT Math Test:

• 570 or above
• 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

• 23 or above
• 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
• Weighted high school GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

Placement in a Supported GE Sub-area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

• The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

High School GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
• Weighted high school GPA 3.0 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Sub-area B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in the Supportive Pathways for Frist-Year Students Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess.org to learn about this program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre- STEM/STEM and Other Math-Intensive Majors

Has Fulfilled the GE Sub-area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• 3 or above on AP Calculus AB
• 3 or above on AP Calculus BC
• 3 or above on AP Statistics
• 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

SAT Math Test:

• 570 or above
• 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

• 23 or above
• 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better

• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via the criteria below:

High School Math GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess.org to learn about this program.

• The goal of the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program (SPFY) is to ensure that first-time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year.
• Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of freshman year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• For general information about Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program (SPFYP), visit csustudentsuccess.org/supportive-pathways. Students are encouraged to visit the university website for SPFYP information once admitted.
• Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit SPFY fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program, please visit csustudentsuccess.org.

Adult Students

Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
• Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
• If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation. 

Graduation Requirement in Writing Proficiency

All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on currently available ways to meet this graduation requirement may be obtained here:

Graduation Requirement in Writing Proficiency (UWR) University Writing Requirement.  

All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on currently available ways to meet this graduation requirement may be obtained from Academic Programs and Services.

Note: that some graduate programs (e.g., M.S. Music, M.B.A., M.S. Educational Leadership) require coursework which also fulfills the UWR.   Students pursing these degrees must complete the courses required by their programs in order to earn a degree.

Conditional Admission of First-time Freshmen

Cal State East Bay may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The campus will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

Subject requirements - The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater or music
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list

International Students as First-time Freshmen

Prospective students who received their preparatory education outside the U.S. must have completed the equivalent of 12 years of elementary and secondary schooling with the equivalent of a “B” average or higher. ACT or SAT test scores are not required of international students who completed their secondary schooling outside the U.S. 

International students who graduated from a U.S. high school must meet the same requirements as any U.S. resident.

International Admission

Academic Records of International Students

Certificates, diplomas, mark sheets, transcripts, and test scores must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the International Admissions Office to be considered official. The International Admissions Office reserves the right to determine what constitutes an official document. Certified English translations must accompany all non-English original documents. Documents submitted are the property of Cal State East Bay and will not be returned.

Application Filing Periods & Deadlines for International Students

The University has established deadlines to ensure that all application materials will be processed in time to allow international students to make the necessary passport, visa, travel, and other arrangements to reach the campus before the start of the semester of admission. Current deadlines applicable to international student admission can be found on the University website or by contacting the International Admissions Office: iao@csueastbay.edu.

California Dream Act

California Dream Act and Application/AB540

The California Dream Act of 2011 allows students who meet AB540 criteria to apply for and receive certain state and institutional financial assistance programs.

AB540 Requirements

To be eligible, a student must meet all of the following requirements:

• The student must have attended a high school (public or private) in California for three or more years AND
• The student must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent prior to the start of the term. For example: the student must have passed the General Education Diploma (GED) or California High School Proficiency exam) AND
• A student who is without lawful immigration status must file an AB540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) with the university stating that he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. Complete and submit the affidavit to the Office of Admission.

Submit a Dream Application

To apply for the programs available under AB131 you will use the Dream Application. The Dream Application will collect basic personal and income information to determine student eligibility for funding under AB131.

Students will need to complete the Dream Application every year to determine continuing eligibility for state and institutional aid. Students should complete and submit to Cal State East Bay the AB540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) in order to begin a review of your eligibility.

For more information about AB540, visit then AB540 Program website.

The Center for International Education

International Students should contact the Center for International Education (cie@csueastbay.edu) for information on matters affecting visa status, eligibility for employment, and any special academic requirements for international students.

Also see: International Education & Student Exchange Programs  for more information.

Undergraduate English Language Requirement

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a score of (see chart below) or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some majors may require a higher score. Some majors and some CSUs may require a higher score. A few CSUs may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). Each university will post the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores. CSU minimum TOEFL standards are:

Cal State East Bay interprets “where English was the principal language of instruction” to mean that a school is located in a country where English is the native language (the daily medium of communication of the majority of residents is English), and that the students receive academic instruction in all subjects (except foreign language courses) at all levels of education in English. 

Cal State East Bay minimum English proficiency test standards for undergraduate students are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of  61 Internet-based or 525 Paper-based or above.
• An overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0 or above.

TOEFL or IELTS can be waived for applicants who meet at least one of these two requisites:

• Transferred from a U.S. college with 60 or more semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.4, and have completed a transfer course in each of the following general education areas with a grade of 2.0 or better: English composition, speech, critical thinking, and mathematics.
• Attended a secondary school or higher for three or more years in one or more of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize (formerly British Honduras), Bermuda, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Commonwealth Caribbean, Dominica, England, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana (aka British Guiana), Ireland (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland), Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia (Caribbean Commonwealth), Scotland, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands (US and British), Wales, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Note: All test scores must be sent directly from the testing institution. Cal State East Bay’s International Admission Office contacts are located at: http://www.csueastbay.edu/prospective/how-to-apply/international-student-admission.

F-1 and J-1 Visa Students

When admitted to Cal State East Bay, international students are expected to comply with all regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services pertaining to international students as well as those of the university.

F-1 and J-1 international students should contact the Center for International Education (cie@csueastbay.edu) for information on matters affecting visa status, eligibility for employment, and any special academic requirements for international students.

Financial Certification Prior to Admission

Prospective International Students

International students who wish to apply for a student visa must demonstrate financial support before a letter of admission or an “I-20” or “DS-2019” form will be issued.  Students will be required to submit I-20 Letter of Consent and Declaration of Finances via a secure online portal upon admission. Please review the Estimated Cost of Attendance page for information regarding the financial support documentation.

International Student Admission Requirements

General Requirements for All International Applicants

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, international students include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors or in other nonimmigrant classifications. Some applicants, including those who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents, may be processed by the Office of International Admissions the applicant needs to provide international transcripts for admissions evaluation. 

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see Undergraduate English Language Requirement ), and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Each applicant must have a declared educational objective (major) when the application is filed. Academic records from international institutions must be on file before the start of the semester of admission and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California for majors that are impacted or for programs with limited openings.

International Admission Office

All matters pertaining to the admission of international students are handled by the International Admissions Office. Students from other countries should consult with the International Admissions Office regarding visas, eligibility for employment, and any special academic requirements.

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, “international students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other non-immigrant classifications. California residents and U.S. citizens with international transcripts are also classified as “international students” for admission evaluation purposes. Cal State East Bay uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “foreign students”. Verification of English proficiency (see below), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission.

Prospective Graduate Students

Graduate applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree obtained from a recognized university. Applicants must also have the equivalent of a 2.50 grade point average, or higher, in their last two years of college-level courses.

Transferable Units through the CSU International Program

A student may also apply units earned through the CSU International Programs that meet the criteria outlined in the lower-division and upper-division transfer requirements in this chapter. If a student also wishes to apply transfer credits to their degree, the total of the transfer and International Program units may not exceed one-half of those required for the degree. If a student completes their capstone experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination) while in the International Programs, this must be done under the supervision of at least one Cal State East Bay faculty member.

Also see the Center for International Education for more information.