Key points
- Beginning in 2026, eligible California high school seniors will be automatically admitted to participating California State University campuses under a new state law.
- The Direct Admissions Program (SB 640) eliminates the traditional application barrier, using verified high school transcript data to identify qualified students.
- The policy is designed to boost college enrollment while alleviating stress and costs for students, especially those who are first-generation or low-income.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed this week Senate Bill 640 (PDF file), create California State University Direct Admission Program. The law allows the California State University (CSU) system to do so Eligible high school seniors are automatically accepted Who meet CSU’s minimum grade and course requirements, eliminating the need to submit a formal application to the college.
The program will be launched in43 school districts Across California, based on a trial launched in Riverside County. Starting in the fall of 2026, every senior in those districts will receive a personal letter from CSU — either congratulating them on their acceptance, informing them that they are close to qualifying, or outlining a path to transfer to community college if they are not yet eligible.
By 2027, the program is scheduled to expand to All 937 school districts statewide.
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How does direct admission work?
Under the new law, California State University will use verified high school transcript data (through… CaliforniaColleges.edu platform) to determine eligibility. Students who complete the required “A–G” college preparatory courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA will be considered CSU ready.
In lieu of an application, students will receive a letter early in their senior year notifying them of their acceptance to one or more CSU campuses. The message will explain the next steps for registration, such as submitting an application Cal State Application Intent form, submission of final transcripts, and registration for orientation and classes.
For students who are close to qualifying, they will receive a message saying:Meet with your advisor to complete the required coursework with passing grades and you will be eligible for admission.“
The third edition guides students toward admission to community colleges and CSU Transfer the path to successwhich guarantees eventual transfer to a four-year campus for students who achieve certain milestones.
The direct admissions process does not remove all responsibilities (students still need to complete their courses and complete registration steps) but it does ensure that academic eligibility is automatically recognized, without an application or essay fee.
Which CSU campuses participate (and which do not)
The program will include most of CSU’s 23 campuses, including:
- Cal State San Bernardino
- Cal State East Bay
- Cal State San Marcos
- Cal Poly Humboldt
- Cal State LA
- Cal State Monterey Bay
- Chico State
- CSU Bakersfield
- CSU Channel Islands
- CSU Dominguez Hills
- California State University Northridge
- Fresno State
- Sacramento State
- San Francisco State
- Sonoma State
- Stanislaus State
It is important to note that six universities that are currently “affected” or over-enrolled will not participate. These are:
- San Jose State
- San Diego State
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Cal Poly Pomona
- Cal State Fullerton
- Cal State Long Beach
Students who wish to attend these universities can still apply through the standard process.
Admission and dual transfer expansions
SB 640 also expands and strengthens CSU’s dual admissions program with California community colleges. Originally scheduled to expire in 2026, the program will now run until 2036, giving students an additional year (three instead of two) to complete their transfer requirements.
The new law directs California State University and community college faculty to develop at least five new “transfer model curricula” in high-opportunity fields not already covered by existing transfer associate degrees. The goal is to expand guaranteed transportation pathways to emerging industries, from renewable energy to data science.
For students starting at community college, this means more transparent grade maps and clearer guarantees that their credits will count toward a bachelor’s degree.
What this means for California families
The CSU system has long served as the backbone of California’s higher education system, enrolling nearly half a million students each year across its 23 campuses.
Direct admission will continue to streamline this success. By notifying students that they have already been accepted (and doing so before many of them begin their college application season), CSU is betting that more students will stay on track academically, complete the required A-G course sequence, and see college as a hypothetical next step rather than an uncertain leap.
For families, the implications are clear:
- More access: Automatic admission recognizes student effort early.
- Less stress: There are no college application fees, essays, or transcript submissions for most universities.
- More time to plan: Early messaging helps families align financial aid and housing decisions.
- Still competitive options: Students can still apply separately to universities in high demand.
In practical terms, this means that a senior with a strong GPA could open his mailbox next fall to find 16 CSU campuses welcoming him. For many, this letter will be the first time they feel that higher education is not only possible, but expected.
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Editor: Colin Greaves
The post New Law Simplifies CSU Direct Admissions for Students appeared first on The College Investor.
