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California State University Sacramento: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees, Admission 2026-27 & Scholarships

Sacramento, United States


California State University, Sacramento

Overview

California State University, Sacramento is a public university established in 1947 in Sacramento, California, and is part of the California State University (CSU) system, which has 26 other campuses across the state of California. The university has a rich and diverse academic community composed of close to 31,000 students, with about 14,000 international students. The University of Sacramento State has a wide access mission as the acceptance rate is high (94%).

In the field, Sacramento State has a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in various colleges, such as Arts and Letters, Business Administration, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Health and Human Services, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. Famous majors are Nursing, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Accounting, Business Administration, and Engineer. The average tuition fees are normally around $1,764 to $7812 in regard to the level of programs and the unit load.



California State University, Sacramento, is subject to an open procedure of admission into undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies. Undergraduate applications are test-blind (no SAT/ACT required), but GRE or GMAT may be required by some graduate and MBA programs. Foreign students are required to prove their skills in English by passing tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo, and the criteria differ depending on the level of the program.

Sacramento State appears in global and subject-based lists in terms of rankings. It has also been ranked in Global Universities according to U.S. News & World Report. Even ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) has ranked Sacramento State in the Physics discipline (401 range).


California State University, Sacramento: Quick Highlights

California State University, Sacramento, offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in multiple disciplines. Check the statistical data from the table below.

Particulars

Details

Established

1947

Located at 

Sacramento, California

Type

Pubic

Popular Majors

Nursing, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Accounting, Business Administration, and Engineering

Average Fees

$1,764 - $7,812

Total Students

nearly 31,000 students

Total International Students

nearly 14,000

Acceptance Rate

94%


California State University, Sacramento: Accreditations

California State University, Sacramento has been accredited by many recognised bodies such as the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the California State University (CSU) System, and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    The primary regional accrediting body granting institutional accreditation to Sacramento State.
  • The California State University (CSU) System
    Sacramento State operates under the CSU system, which maintains system-wide academic and quality standards.
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
    Provides internationally recognised accreditation for the College of Business Administration.


California State University, Sacramento: Rankings

California State University, Sacramento has been ranked globally among the best universities by US News & World Report and ARWU.


US News & World Report Ranking 2026

Here are the rankings for 2026 and the last 2 years, given by US News.

Particulars

2024

2025

2026

Global Universities

1228

1279

Best Graduate Nursing Schools

114

UG Business

211

222

254


ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025

Here are the rankings for the last 2 years given by ARWU (Shanghai Ranking).

Particulars

2023

2025

Physics

401

401

California State University, Sacramento

Programs

California State University, Sacramento offers courses in different departments & colleges such as Arts & Letters, Business Administration, Continuing Education, Engineering & Computer Science, Health & Human Services, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies.

College

Departments / Schools

Arts & Letters

Art; Design; History; Music; Theatre & Dance; Communication Studies; English; Humanities & Religious Studies; Philosophy; World Languages & Literatures

Business Administration

Undergraduate Programs; Graduate Programs; Institutes & Centers

Continuing Education

Continuing Education Programs

Education

Undergraduate Studies; Teaching Credentials; Graduate and Professional Studies; Educational Leadership Doctorate

Engineering & Computer Science

Civil Engineering; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Construction Management; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering

Health & Human Services

Communication Sciences & Disorders; Criminal Justice; Health Science; Kinesiology; Nursing; Physical Therapy; Public Health; Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Geography; Geology; Mathematics and Statistics; Physics & Astronomy

Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies

Anthropology; Economics; Ethnic Studies; Gerontology; Nutrition, Food & Dietetics; Psychology; Social Science; Women’s & Gender Studies; Asian Studies; Environmental Studies; Family & Consumer Sciences; Liberal Studies; Political Science; Public Policy & Administration; Sociology


California State University, Sacramento: Undergraduate Course Details

Here is the fee breakdown for the undergrads; it may vary depending on the particular course.

Particulars

Up to 6 Units

More than 6 Units

Tuition Fees

$1,764

$3,042

Associated Students Inc. Fee

$89.00

$89.00

Intercollegiate Athletics/Spirit Leaders Fee

$181.00

$181.00

Transportation Fee

$27.00

$27.00

Recreational Sports Fee

$19.00

$19.00

University Union/ WELL Fee

$459.00

$459.00

Health Facilities Fee

$29.00

$29.00

Instructional Related Activity Fee

$8.00

$8.00

Student Health and Counselling Services Fee

$152.00

$152.00

Hornet Newspaper Fee

$3.00

$3.00

Total

$2,731.00

$4,009.00


California State University, Sacramento: Credential Program Details

Fee breakdown for credential programs as per units. Check all the fee details from the table below.

Particulars

Upto 6 Units

More than 6 Units

Tuition Fees

$2,049

$3,531

Associated Students Inc. Fee

$89.00

$89.00

Intercollegiate Athletics/Spirit Leaders Fee

$181.00

$181.00

Transportation Fee

$27.00

$27.00

Recreational Sports Fee

$19.00

$19.00

University Union/WELL Fee

$459.00

$459.00

Health Facilities Fee

$29.00

$29.00

Instructional Related Activity Fee

$8.00

$8.00

Student Health and Counselling Services Fee

$152.00

$152.00

Hornet Newspaper Fee

$3.00

$3.00

Total

$3,016.00

$4,498.00


California State University, Sacramento: Post-Baccalaureate Course Details

Fee breakdown for Post-Baccalaureate courses is mentioned below.

Particulars

Up to 6 Units

More than 6 Units

Tuition Fees

$2,208

$3,804

Associated Students Inc. Fee

$89.00

$89.00

Intercollegiate Athletics/Spirit Leaders Fee

$181.00

$181.00

Transportation Fee

$27.00

$27.00

Recreational Sports Fee

$19.00

$19.00

University Union Fee

$459.00

$459.00

Health Facilities Fee

$29.00

$29.00

Instructional Related Activity Fee

$8.00

$8.00

Student Health and Counselling Services Fee

$152.00

$152.00

Hornet Newspaper Fee

$3.00

$3.00

Total

$3,175.00

$4,771.00


California State University, Sacramento: Education Doctorate Course Details

For the doctorate courses detailed fee breakdown is mentioned below.

Particulars

Up to 21 Units

Tuition Fees

$6,273

Associated Students Inc. Fee

$89.00

Intercollegiate Athletics/Spirit Leaders Fee

$181.00

Transportation Fee

$27.00

Recreational Sports Fee

$19.00

University Union/WELL Fee

$459.00

Health Facilities Fee

$29.00

Instructional Related Activity Fee

$8.00

Student Health and Counseling Services Fee

$152.00

Hornet Newspaper Fee

$3.00

Total

$7,240


Popular Courses offered at California State University, Sacramento are mentioned below with the tuition and hostel fee details.

Course

Tuition

Hostel

MS

₹12.6 Lakh - ₹27.7 Lakh

₹14.58 L - ₹15.03 Lakh

MBA/PGDM

₹12.6 L - ₹28.11 Lakh

₹14.58 L - ₹15.03 Lakh

M.A.

₹12.6 L - ₹17.2 Lakh

₹14.58 L - ₹15.03 Lakh

MPH

₹12.32 Lakh

₹15.03 Lakh

LL.M.

₹15.11 Lakh

₹15.03 Lakh

MFA

₹19.98 Lakh

₹15.03 L

MSN

₹16.2 Lakh

₹14.58 Lakh

B.Sc.

₹15.9 L - ₹18.61 Lakh

₹10.86 L akh- ₹14.69 Lakh

B.E. / B.Tech

₹15.9 Lakh - ₹18.64 Lakh

₹10.86 Lakh - ₹14.69 Lakh

BBA

₹15.9 Lakh- ₹26.32 Lakh

₹10.64 L - ₹14.69 L

B.A.

₹15.9 Lakh- ₹18.61 Lakh

₹10.86 L - ₹14.69 L

B.J.M.C.

₹17.58 Lakh - ₹18.61 Lakh

₹11.47 Lakh - ₹14.69 Lakh

MBBS

1 courses • 6 years
--Average tuition fees
--Median salary
--Exams accepted
-Application date

California State University, Sacramento

Admissions

Freshman Admission Requirements 

Eligibility criteria for freshman admission or Admission for the first year of high school. Check the details mentioned carefully.

Particulars

Details

High School Completion

Diploma, GED, or CHSPE

a-g Course Pattern

15 units completed with C- or better

California Residents GPA

Minimum 2.50

CA GPA 2.00–2.49

Considered with supplemental factors

Non-CA Residents GPA

Minimum 3.00

SAT/ACT

Not used for admission eligibility (placement only)


Required a-g Subject Pattern

The required a-g subject pattern for freshman admission basically means high school courses or subjects required for admission. Check the table below.

Subject Area

Years Required

Social Science

2

English

4

Mathematics

3 (4 recommended)

Laboratory Science

2

Foreign Language

2

Visual & Performing Arts

1

Electives

1

Total

15 Units


General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Here is the list of General Undergraduate Admission Requirements to get admission in California State University, Sacramento.

Requirement Category

Details

Application

Submit online via Cal State Apply; $70 non-refundable fee.

Transcripts

Must provide official transcripts from all previous schools. 

Complete & Accurate Info

Applicants must supply accurate information or risk denial.

Impacted Programs

Some majors require supplementary criteria if they are impacted. 

English Proficiency (for non-native speakers)

TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores accepted (minimums vary). 


English Language Proficiency 

California State University, Sacramento accepts TOEFL (internet), TOEFL (paper), IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo for the English Language Proficiency.

Test

Undergraduate Minimum

TOEFL (internet)

64

TOEFL (paper)

510

IELTS

6.0 overall

PTE Academic

50

Duolingo

95 


California State University, Sacramento: Admission Process

Steps in the Application Process – Sacramento State

  1. Submit the Application

Personal information: Applicants are required to make an online application within the official CSU application filing period of the desired term. Applications that are submitted within the filing period are only counted.

  1. Preliminary Filing Period Review

Every application received in the first filing round receives equal treatment in fixed enrollment categories and quotas.

  1. Supplementary Review (Where Necessary)

In case the campus or certain programs are still determined as being affected, there can be extra criteria for the selection of applicants when the applications is more than the capacity available.

  1. Prolonged Filing Period (Provided Space is left out)

In case the enrollment categories are not met during the initial filing period, the university can still accept more applications during an extended period. Resumes are processed on a first-come first-served basis.

  1. Application Acknowledgment

When applicants are on time, they are normally acknowledged through email between two to four weeks. The university can demand new records that are required to assess academic qualifications.

  1. Submission of Documents

All applicants should file all the necessary official transcripts and test scores (where necessary) within the relevant filing time. Unfinished applications can slow down or block admission.

  1. Admission Evaluation

Applications are reviewed according to CSU admission criteria as well as impacted program additional criteria (where applicable).

  1. Decision on Notification of Admission.

Admission or ineligibility confirmation of the applicants start in March (fall) and September (spring), as long as all documents are received within the requested time.

  1. Post-Admission Information

The admissions are communicated through email to the students upon their admission to the school on issues of registration, placement testing, academic advising and orientation before they are enrolled.

  1. Requests and Distress Reprieve (Should Be)

The qualified applicants in extreme hardship can file a hardship petition. The applicants who are not admitted can appeal once in a term, on the basis of the posted appeal procedures and within 15 business days of the publication.


Application Timelines

Applications are accepted in two intakes, the fall semester and the spring semester, between October 1 to November 30 and August 1 to August 31, respectively.

Term

Applications First Accepted

Initial Filing Period

Fall Semester

October 1

October 1 – November 30

Spring Semester

August 1

August 1 – August 31

MBBS

1

Courses

5.5 yrs

Duration

--

Total Seats

--

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

--

Eligibility

FAQs related to Admissions

California State Sacramento is a test-blind undergraduate admissions (no SAT/ACT) institution, has minimum GPA requirements, and also accepts IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo in place of English proficiency.


Some graduate and MBA programs may require GRE or GMAT scores at Sacramento State University, but a significant number of post-graduate programs have exam waivers based on academic background.


California State University, Sacramento

Campuses

There are a total of 26 campuses of California State University around the globe. Check the campus that is suitable for you.

  • California State University, Bakersfield
  • California State University Channel Islands
  • California State University, Chico
  • California State University, Dominguez Hills
  • California State University, East Bay
  • California State University, Fresno
  • California State University, Fullerton
  • California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
  • California State University, Long Beach
  • California State University, Los Angeles
  • California State University, Monterey Bay
  • California State University, Northridge
  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • California State University, Sacramento
  • California State University, San Bernardino
  • San Diego State University
  • San Francisco State University
  • San José State University
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • California State University San Marcos
  • Sonoma State University
  • California State University, Stanislaus
  • California Maritime Academy 

California State University, Sacramento

Scholarships

Sacramento State has numerous scholarships, which include departmental scholarships and alumni and community-based scholarships that offer financial aid for tuition, research, living costs, and academic excellence; the amounts of the scholarships differ depending on the scholarship and the requirements. 

Scholarship Name

Approx. Award Amount

Alumni Association Scholarships

Awarded to freshmen, continuing undergraduates, and graduates.

Amount - $3,500 each (about 12 awards annually)

Academic & Creative Excellence Award

For outstanding art majors. 

Amount - $1,000

Jeannette B. Yuppa Scholarship

For art majors with teaching goals.

Amount - $1,000

Marla Chicconi Memorial Art Scholarship

For undergraduate art students.

Amount - $1,500

Juanita & Jose Montoya Memorial Art Scholarship

For junior/senior art majors. 

Amount - $1,500

Peggy Saunders Hall Memorial Scholarship

For undergraduate art students. 

Amount - $5,000

Peter H. Shattuck Undergraduate Scholarship

History undergraduate scholarship

Amount - $7,000 (two awards)

Professor Thomas Swift History Scholarship

For history majors. Amount - $3,000

Department of History Undergraduate Scholarship

History department award 

Amount - $2,000

George & Eleanor Craft Graduate Scholarship

For classified history graduate students.

Amount - $2,000 each

Mildred “Millie” Kahane Nursing Leadership Scholarship

Graduate nursing scholarship

Amount - $5,000

Phyllis Marie Nevis Memorial Scholarship

Nursing scholarship

Amount - $2,500 minimum

Carol J. Maxwell Scholarship

Nursing student award

Amount - $1,000+

Clay Abajian Memorial Scholarship

Nursing scholarship

Amount - $2,000 minimum

Valerie Blackburn Memorial Scholarship

Nursing scholarship

Amount -$2,000

Michael P. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship

Nursing scholarship

Amount -$500–$3,000

Stephanie Cotter Memorial Scholarship

Nursing scholarship

Amount -$400 minimum

California State University, Sacramento has departmental-based, alumni-funded, merit-based, and need-based scholarships that cover tuition and research and living expenses of undergraduate and graduate students.


Yes, Sac State offers some scholarships to international students in academic departments and on donor funds whose value depends on the eligibility and academic performance.


California State University, Sacramento

Infrastructure

Full-service facilities are provided, such as contemporary housing, varied food, daycare, health and wellness, library services, career development, tutoring, and access to technology.

Facility / Infrastructure

Description / Key Features

University Housing – North Village

2,100 residents; 7 residence halls; furnished rooms; Wi-Fi; lounges; recreation rooms; pool & courts near American River trails. 

University Housing – Hornet Commons

Pet-friendly apartments; resort-style pool; fitness centre; study lounges; full kitchens & washers/dryers. 

Campus Dining Services

Multiple dining locations (Union, River Front Center, Hornet Commons); diverse food options, including vegan/vegetarian. 

Children’s Center (Child Care)

Accredited childcare for ages 6 months–kindergarten; student work and internship site. 

Student Health, Counselling & Wellness Services (SHCWS)

Integrated health care, mental health counselling, labs, immunisations, and peer support. 

University Library

1.6 million books/E-books; databases; media collections; study rooms & equipment loans. 

Career Center

Career counselling, resume support, job/internship resources & fairs. 

University Reading & Writing Center

Tutoring support for reading, writing, and editing at all levels. 

Information Resources & Technology (IRT)

Tech support, virtual labs, project rooms, and online resources. 

FAQs related to Infrastructure programs

California State University Sacramento (Sac State) has modern facilities such as on-campus accommodation, eating halls, a 1.6 million volume library, healthcare, child care, career counselling, and a high-technology intranet.


Yes, Sacramento University, California has its own residence halls, Hornet Commons apartments, wellness centres, recreation facilities, and technology labs that make Sacramento University a fully furnished public campus.