California State University - Fresno Campus: Admissions 2026, Courses & Ranking
Fresno, United States • Public
California State University, Fresno
Overview
California State University, Fresno is a public university that was founded as Fresno State Normal School in 1911 and is situated in Fresno, California. There are 23 campuses of California State University. It offers 26 nationally accredited departmental programs.
The institute offers 72 undergraduate, 49 postgraduate and 3 doctorate programs through its 8 schools and colleges. Popular courses are Business Administration, Psychology, and Liberal Arts/Humanities. CSU serves more than 24,000 students, of whom 14000 are international.
California State University's admission acceptance rate is 91.7%. California State University, Fresno intakes are done at 4 intervals in winter, spring, summer and fall. CSU has ranked No. 2 among universities nationwide in Washington Monthly.
CSU Fresno admission eligibility criteria, which include academic transcripts, GPA requirements, results on standardised and aptitude tests, SOP, LOR and CV. Additionally, students must provide their results from entrance/English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE and GMAT.
California State University, Fresno: Quick Highlights
California State University, Fresno offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in multiple disciplines. Check the statistical data from the table below.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1911 |
Located at | Fresno, California |
Type | Public University |
Popular Majors | Business Administration, Psychology, and Liberal Arts/Humanities |
Average Fees | $18,805 - $24,583 |
Total Students | 24,300 students |
Total International Students | 14000 students |
Schools |
|
Acceptance Rate | 90% or higher |
California State University, Fresno
Programs
Some of the most prominent UG courses offered by the institute include:
- BS in Business Administration
- BS in Biomedical Physics
- BA in Communicative Science
- BA in Mass Communication & Journalism
- BS in Agriculture
The institute also offers a variety of Master's courses in the above-mentioned disciplines. Given below are some popular PG courses at the university:
- MBA
- MS in Computer Science
- MS in Agricultural Science
- MS in Civil Engineering
- MA in Communication
Fall 2026 | UG (12 units/semester) | Graduate (9 units/semester) | MBA |
Tuition and Fees | $19,921 | $18,805 | $24,583 |
Food and Housing | $11,634 | $11,634 | $11,634 |
Books and Insurance | $2,879 | $2,879 | $2,879 |
Total: | $34,434 | $33,318 | $39,096 |
Bachelor of Arts [BA]
Master of Business Administration [MBA]
Master of Arts [MA]
Bachelor of Science [BS]
California State University, Fresno
Admission 2026
California State University, Fresno has a simple process of admission that is friendly to the students in the university, meant to facilitate the smooth transition of international students to the university.
Step 1: Choose Program & Intake
Choose your favourite undergraduate or postgraduate degree and admission (Spring, Summer, or Fall). Examine program-based requirements, GPA standards, and test score guidelines.
Step 2: Online Application
Apply via Cal State Apply, via online application form and payment of a non-refundable USD 70 application fee. Paper applications are also received in a few cases.
Step 3: Add the Necessary Documents
Include official academic transcripts, degree certificates (where applicable), statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, CV (where applicable- PG programs), and standardised test scores (where necessary- SAT/ ACT/ GRE/ GMAT).
Step 4: Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
Present valid scores on the English proficiency test, including TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo. Unofficial scores can be sent initially and official scores at some point later.
Step 5: Admission Decision
The applications are reviewed according to academic performance, the ability to qualify and the needs of the program. Official offer letter CSU Fresno offers successful applicants an official offer letter.
Step 6: Present Financial Paperwork and Accept Offer.
Authenticate your admission by providing financial documents and affidavit of support that you have money to finance at least one year of schooling.
Step 7: Receive Form I-20
Upon document validation CSU Fresno gives out the Form I-20, which is necessary to seek an F-1 student visa.
Step 8: Apply for a Student Visa
Pay the SEVIS fee, fill-in the DS-160, book an interview with the U.S. visa, and come along with the necessary documents I-20, offer letter, passport and financial statements.
Step 9: Travel & Enrollment
On receiving visa, organize travel, accommodation and orientation to finish enrollment in California State University, Fresno.
California State University, Fresno: Application deadlines
California State University, Fresno intakes are done at 4 intervals in winter, spring, summer and fall. Check the CSU Fresno application deadline for UG and PG below:
Intake | Application deadlines |
Winter 2026 | Closed |
Spring 2026 | Aug 31, 2025 |
Summer 2026 | Feb 28, 2026 |
Fall 2026 | Dec 1, 2025 |
California State University, Fresno: Admission Requirements
The eligibility of international students in admission requires a bachelor's degree, English proficiency, transcripts, a personal statement, monetary evidence, and an application fee in admission.
Admission Criteria | Description |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, GPA ≥ 2.5, good academic standing, meet program-specific standards. |
Application Fee | $70 USD non-refundable via Cal State Apply (online) or Paper Application. |
English Proficiency | TOEFL iBT 61 / IELTS 6.0 / Duolingo 100 or other accepted equivalents. Unofficial scores can be emailed. |
Transcripts | Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. High school transcripts if required, in English. |
Degree Proof | Copy of bachelor’s degree or graduation certificate (Fresno State grads exempt). |
Program Materials | Personal statement, letters of recommendation, writing samples, prerequisite proof (varies by program). |
Passport & Financials | Copy of passport, financial documents, and affidavit of support for at least one academic year (can be submitted after acceptance). |
Test Scores | GRE, GMAT, MAT, CBEST, or CSET may be required depending on program. |
California State University, Fresno: VISA Timeline
Fresno State F-1 visa requires university admission, I-20 issuance, SEVIS payment, DS-160 submission, and embassy interview, ideally started 3–4 months before program start.
Stage | Key Action | Recommended Timeline |
University Application | Apply via Cal State Apply and pay $70 fee | Till January 15, 2026 (Fall 2026) |
Admission Decision | Receive acceptance from CSUF | January – February 2026 |
I-20 Issuance | Submit financial documents and receive Form I-20 | February – March 2026 |
SEVIS Fee Payment | Pay I-901 SEVIS fee | Immediately after I-20 |
DS-160 Form | Complete DS-160 online visa application | February – March 2026 |
Visa Fee & Interview | Pay MRV fee and schedule visa interview | March – April 2026 |
Visa Interview | Attend U.S. Embassy/Consulate interview | April – May 2026 |
Travel to USA | Enter U.S. (up to 30 days before start) | July – August 2026 |
California State University, Fresno: VISA Fee
Students would have to pay the US student VISA fee. To collect the following documents, which are required for the VISA process:
- Offer letter
- Form I-20 sent by the university
- High school transcripts, mark sheets, or grade reports.
- Graduation certificate
- Valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond the planned stay
- References from teachers and letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Application fee
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- A printed copy of DS-160
- Bank statement for at least three years showing the presence of enough assets to pay for the expenses
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
California State University, Fresno
Placements
Application Fee Waivers
At this time, we are not offering application fee waivers for graduate-level programs at California State University, Fresno, unless you qualify for the following:
- McNair Scholar
- Exonerated persons
- Alan Pattee
Financial Assistance: Fresno State (International Students)
California State University, Fresno has a number of financial aid options that assist the international students in meeting education expenses. Although federal assistance is not usually offered to international students in the U.S. the Fresno State does have specific scholarships, tuition waivers, on-campus employment, and other offerings such as emergency food services and professional clothing assistance.
Scholarship Type | Description |
Dean’s Scholarship Tuition Waiver (DSTW) | Reduces non-resident tuition for eligible international students; awards vary and are limited in number. |
Fresno State Scholarships | Competitive awards ranging from small amounts up to about $1,000; application via the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. |
Muhareb Family Grant | For newly admitted international students; awards typically $1,000–$1,500. |
Graduate Assistantships & Scholarships | Graduate students may be eligible for assistantships or department-specific awards; contact program coordinator. |
On-Campus Jobs | International students can work up to 20 hrs/week (40 hrs during breaks) on campus; positions posted on HireFresnoState. |
Career & Support Resources | Includes free professional clothing closet and food security programs to help with living costs. |
Top Recruiters
California State University, Fresno
Scholarships
California State University, Fresno has a number of financial aid options that assist the international students in meeting education expenses. Although federal assistance is not usually offered to international students in the U.S. the Fresno State does have specific scholarships, tuition waivers, on-campus employment, and other offerings such as emergency food services and professional clothing assistance.
Scholarship Type | Description |
Dean’s Scholarship Tuition Waiver (DSTW) | Reduces non-resident tuition for eligible international students; awards vary and are limited in number. |
Fresno State Scholarships | Competitive awards ranging from small amounts up to about $1,000; application via the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. |
Muhareb Family Grant | For newly admitted international students; awards typically $1,000–$1,500. |
Graduate Assistantships & Scholarships | Graduate students may be eligible for assistantships or department-specific awards; contact program coordinator. |
On-Campus Jobs | International students can work up to 20 hrs/week (40 hrs during breaks) on campus; positions posted on HireFresnoState. |
Career & Support Resources | Includes free professional clothing closet and food security programs to help with living costs. |
Application Fee Waivers
At this time, we are not offering application fee waivers for graduate-level programs at California State University, Fresno, unless you qualify for the following:
- McNair Scholar
- Exonerated persons
- Alan Pattee
California State University, Fresno
Faculty
California State University, Fresno
Infrastructure
California State University, Fresno Campus is a publicly owned institution that was established in 1911 and it is situated in Fresno, California in the United States. The university covers an area of about 388 acres and the address of the campus is 5241 N Maple Avenue, Fresno, California 93740, United States. California State University System and the Fresno Campus are related.
Particulars | Details |
Room & Utilities | Fully furnished room (bed, desk, chair, dresser), Wi-Fi, Xfinity streaming, PG&E and utilities included |
Appliances & Access | Microwave, mini fridge with freezer, personal safe, key FOB access to building and bedroom |
Facilities | 24/7 fitness center, computer lab, front desk, on-site laundry facilities |
Recreation & Outdoors | Swimming pool, sand volleyball court, BBQ area, recreation rooms with pool, ping pong, foosball |
Dining Benefits | $300 Flex Cash/year, unlimited meals at University Dining Hall, 1 meal/week at The Bucket |
Academic Advantages | Walking distance to classes and library, focus on academics, higher grades than off-campus students |
Community & Support | Community programs, events, 24/7 residential life staff, strong sense of belonging |
Student Success | 86% graduate faster, improved academic performance, lifelong friendships |
Housing Type | 3 Bedroom Suite – Double occupancy |
California State University Fresno: Hostel
Fresno State expanded housing by adding 240 beds, supporting student demand and strengthening on-campus living and community experience.
Particulars | Statistics |
Total Enrolled Students | 24,310 |
Students on Waiting List (as of 09/16/2025) | 0 |
Total Available On-Campus Beds | 1,356 |
Students Requesting Campus Housing | 1,708 |
Freshmen, Transfer & International Students Needing Housing | 971 |
New Beds Added (Fall 2024) | 240 |
California State University, Fresno: Housing Room Types & Academic Year Rates
Here is the fee breakdown of housing room types and academic year fee for accommodation
Category | Room Type | Academic Year Fee (USD) |
Communities | Community Triple | $5,239 |
Communities | Community Double | $6,175 |
Communities | Large Community Single | $8,730 |
Suites | 2 Bedroom Suite – Triple | $5,730 |
Suites | 1 Bedroom Suite – Triple | $6,279 |
Suites | 3 Bedroom Suite – Double | $7,044 |
Suites | 2 Bedroom Suite – Double | $7,351 |
Suites | 1 Bedroom Suite – Double | $7,821 |
Suites | Small Single Suite | $8,528 |
Suites | Large Single Suite | $9,464 |
Note: Single, Double, and Triple indicate the number of residents per bedroom.
















