California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law this week Senate Bill (SB) 640. The bill referred to as the California State University (CSU) Direct Admissions Program proactively admits qualified California high school graduates into the CSU system without the need for applying. The bill effectively becomes law on January 1, 2026, with full state participation expected by Fall 2027.
How the Direct Admissions Program Works
Students who graduate high school in California from a participating local educational agency and meet CSU admission requirements will receive an admission letter automatically – no college application needed to be accepted. If they choose to attend a CSU school, they need to fill out an application to identify which school and program they want.
There are 22 CSU campuses in total but only 16 are participating in this new program. 6 are too full and as such are not participating, they are: Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Long Beach, San Diego State University and San Jose State University.
CSU Admission Requirements
To receive an automatic admissions letter, students need to successfully graduate from a California high school. They need to have completed the required “A-G” courses with a minimum of a C grade, graduating with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. The 15 “A-G” required courses include 2 years of History and Social Science, 4 years of English and 3 years of college prep math, such as Algebra and Geometry. Other courses include science, art and a language other than English.
Why Direct Admissions in California
The goal of this bill is to increase access to higher education for qualified students across the state. The new streamlined admissions process hopes to boost enrollment of first-generation students and low-income students as well as increase student populations at under-capacity campuses.
This isn’t for everyone though, there will still be some limits in place. Schools can only house so many students and enrollment can be capped due to space and resource restrictions. If admitted, its best to complete your application and accept your spot as soon as possible to help ensure admission to your first choice campus.
What to Do After Receiving Your CSU Admissions Letter
Upon receiving your admissions letter, you need to submit your Cal State Apply application, where you can select any or all of the schools you’ve been admitted to. You will not be asked to write any essays or submit any letters of recommendations, just to complete the application. After submission, expect to receive your official acceptance letter, after which you can confirm your intention to attend the campus of your choice by the deadline. You may be asked to attend an orientation and provide documentation, such as your high school transcript.
Don’t Forget to Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
Once you’ve been accepted and decide to attend a CSU campus it’s important that you submit your FAFSA (Federal Application for Financial Student Aid) form, if you haven’t already. This will make available to you any federal grants, work-study or student loans you may be eligible for. Additionally, you can reach out to the financial aid office at the school you will be attending to learn about any other types of aid you may qualify for.
Also, don’t forget to apply for scholarships. Start now and don’t stop until you graduate college. There are millions of dollars to be won, much of which goes unclaimed because students don’t apply or give up too soon. Dedicate time each week, making it a priority, to apply for scholarships. Graduating debt free (or with the least amount of debt possible) is almost as rewarding as degree you will one day frame and hang on your wall.
