You're the type of student we're looking for. You're talented, passionate and inquisitive. You want to make a difference in your community and in the world. You're determined to succeed and you won't let anything stand in your way. You're ready to become a Matador.
Whether you're a California resident or a U.S. applicant from out-of-state, you'll apply as a first-time freshman if:
If you are an international student, please visit the International First-time Admission page to find information to help you apply.
If you are a veteran student, please visit the Undergraduate Veteran Students Admission page to find information to help you apply.
We will accept first-time freshman applications each year between Oct. 1 and Jan 31 for the coming fall semester.
You'll also want to make sure you apply for financial aid and scholarships in a timely fashion.
Make sure you've taken the required high school courses. Learn what our Eligibility Index is and how it differs if you're a California resident or an out-of-state student. Find out what it means to apply to an impacted major.
Explore our majors and decide which program you'll select on your application. If you don't know what major to choose, don't worry. You can choose "Exploratory" and change your major later. Every year, some competitive majors receive more applicants than we can accept. These majors will have higher Eligibility Index minimums. Review this year's impacted programs.
It's a good idea to get everything you'll need for your application ready. As a first-time freshman applicant, you'll need:
Educational Opportunity Program: For students that are historically low-income, historically educationally disadvantaged, first generation college students. EOP has created an application worksheet to help you get prepared to complete your EOP application.
Once you're ready, create an account and complete your application on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.
After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to activate your CSUN Portal and email account. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. You can expect your admission decision to be available in the CSUN Portal by mid-March.
Please send us your official transcripts at the right time. Here are some guidelines:
Log in to the CSUN Portal regularly to review your Checklist for the transcripts CSUN requires. Also check your email regularly for any messages from the CSUN Office of Admissions.
Any courses listed as "in progress" or "planned" on your admissions application must be completed with a grade of C- or higher by the end of your spring semester of high school. Additionally, you must maintain the overall GPA reported on your application.
If your GPA drops below that reported on your application, you earn a grade of D or F during your senior year or you misreported a required course, your admission could be withdrawn. Should your admissions status change to denied due to one of the above-mentioned items, your only option would be to go through an appeals process.
As one of the largest communities of Deaf and hard-of-hearing college students in the country, we have tons of extra resources. If you're an incoming transfer student who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing, explore NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and register for our prospective Student Access and Accommodation System (SAAS) following the steps at NCOD: How to Apply.
As an incoming international student, you'll have a few extra steps to follow. Get the information you need to apply.
No matter what part of the U.S.A. or U.S. territories you’re from, you’ll find a home at CSUN. Visit our beautiful campus in person or virtually to discover why CSUN is one of the premier academic institutions in California! Apply for admission just like a California resident although a few requirements will differ. Follow the steps at the top of this page and check out WUE below!
If you're a first-time freshman who is a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, our Office of Veterans Affairs will review your benefits documents and guide you through the application process.
If you are a resident of one of the member U.S. states or insular areas of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, you can enjoy reduced nonresident tuition rates by participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program at CSUN.
Find out everything you need to know about the cost of attendance, and get help applying for financial aid.
Division of Student Affairs Location
Bayramian Hall 190
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8212 Phone: (818) 677-2967 Send email
