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

  • Craig School of Business
  • Kremen School of Education
  • Lyles College of Engineering
  • College of Health & Human Services
  • College of Science & Mathematics
  • College of Social Sciences
  • College of Arts and Humanities
  • Jordan College of Agricultural 
  • Sciences and Technology

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]

2 courses • 3 years • Full Time
USD 18885Average tuition fees
USD 81,000Median salary
IELTS, TOEFLExams accepted
14 Jan - 30 Sep 2026Application date

Master of Business Administration [MBA]

1 courses • 2 years • Full Time
USD 23289Average tuition fees
USD 60,547Median salary
GMATExams accepted
30 Apr - 30 Sep 2026Application date

Master of Arts [MA]

1 courses • 2 years • Full Time
USD 17835Average tuition fees
USD 81,000Median salary
IELTS, TOEFLExams accepted
30 Apr - 30 Sep 2026Application date

Bachelor of Science [BS]

3 courses • 3 years • Full Time
USD 8224.5Average tuition fees
USD 68,069Median salary
IELTS, TOEFLExams accepted
14 Jan - 30 Jun 2026Application date

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

Bachelor of Arts [BA]

2

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

72

Total Seats

USD 18,885 - 18,885

Tuition Fees

IELTS, TOEFL

Exams

12TH

Eligibility

1

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

36

Total Seats

USD 23,289 - 23,289

Tuition Fees

GMAT

Exams

GRADUATION

Eligibility

1

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

100

Total Seats

USD 17,835 - 17,835

Tuition Fees

IELTS, TOEFL

Exams

GRADUATION

Eligibility

3

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

72

Total Seats

USD 8,224 - 8,225

Tuition Fees

IELTS, TOEFL

Exams

12TH

Eligibility

3

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

120

Total Seats

USD 9,838 - 9,838

Tuition Fees

IELTS, TOEFL

Exams

GRADUATION

Eligibility

FAQs related to Admission 2026

The international students require a known bachelor degree (PG), GPA minimum of 2.5, English proficiency scores, transcripts, SOP, LORs, and application fee.


To enable visa processing, students are encouraged to apply by December 1, 2025 (January 15, 2026, in case of an extension), to Fall 2026.


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: 

  1. McNair Scholar
  2. Exonerated persons
  3. 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: 

  1. McNair Scholar
  2. Exonerated persons
  3. Alan Pattee

Application fee waivers are limited and available only to eligible categories such as McNair Scholars, Exonerated Persons, and Alan Pattee applicants.

CSU Fresno offers limited financial aid options; students are encouraged to explore department-specific awards and external scholarships.


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.


Facilities

FAQs related to Infrastructure programs

It is not guaranteed housing but the freshmen, transfer, and international students are usually most prioritized with increased capacity once 240 new beds have been added.


Housing fees vary between $5,239 and $9,464 annually depending on the type of room, the level of occupancy and the residential community.