Overview of Sacramento State

California State University, Sacramento, is a public institution located in upstate California. The institution has over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the Sacramento State Hornets play in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 25,217 (23,450 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 45 percent male/55 percent female
• 82 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $7,204 (in-state); $19,084 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,970
• Room and Board: $14,396
• Other Expenses: $2,568
• Total Cost: $26,138 (in-state); $38,018 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 87 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 82 percent
  • Loans: 33 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $8,578
  • Loans: $6,483

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Family Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Marketing, Psychology, Nursing, Fine Arts, Public Relations

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 81 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 3%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 9 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 51 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball

Overview of Sacramento State Admissions

Cal State Sacramento, which accepts approximately two-thirds of applicants, has a selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data             

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Sacramento State had an acceptance rate of 64%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 64 students gained admission, making CSUS’s admissions process moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 93% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals most CSUS students score within the bottom 29% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to Sacramento State scored between 470 and 570 on the evidence-based reading and writing section, while 25% scored under 470 and 25% scored over 570. 50% of students scored between 470 and 560 on the math section, while 25% scored under 470, and 25% scored over 560. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1130 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at CSUS.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 30% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most CSUS students score within the bottom 26% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to CSUS received a cumulative ACT score between 16 and 22, while 25% scored over 22, and 25% scored under 16.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA for  Sacramento State freshmen was 3.25. Successful applicants to CSUS have B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Sacramento State, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Sacramento State is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

California State University Bakersfield, California State University East Bay, Kean University, University of Texas at Brownsville, California State University Los Angeles, State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Alabama State University

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Sacramento State, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

California State University Bakersfield, Alvernia University, Radford University, University of Texas at El Paso, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, California State University Northridge, Clark Atlanta University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Sacramento State. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

California State University Long Beach, San Jose State University, Washington State University, University of Texas at San Antonio, East Carolina University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Texas State University

Applying to Sacramento State

Application Deadline: November 30

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.csus.edu/apply/admissions/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/freshman

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.csus.edu/graduate-studies/

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.csus.edu/graduate-studies/future-students/application-information.html