First-Time Freshman: Eligibility Requirements

Our admission requirements for first-time freshmen include graduating high school or passing one of the California state high school proficiency exams, your high school GPA and more. Because of the pandemic, all California State University campuses are adjusting some requirements. Learn more at High School Guidance for First-Time, First-Year Students.

You will still need to complete the required college preparatory course work, and meet our minimum Eligibility Index scores.

Complete the following requirements

The following information is for fall 2024 admissions.

1. Successfully complete the college preparatory subject requirements (known as “A-to-G” in California) with a grade of C- or better. Because of the pandemic, any credit/pass grades that you earned for A-to-G courses you took winter 2020 through summer 2021 will be accepted as satisfying this requirement. Starting fall 2021, you must take A-to-G courses for a letter grade and earn at least a C- grade.
   • English: 4 years
   • Mathematics: 3 years (4 years recommended but not required). Algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra.
   • Social Science/History: 2 years. Including 1 year U.S. history or U.S. history and government.
   • Science: 2 years. 1 year biological science with lab and 1 year physical science with lab.
   • Foreign Language: 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence).
   • Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year. Art, dance, drama/theater or music.
   • Electives: 1 year. Selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science/history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or any other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU "A-to-G" list.
2. Meet a qualifying Eligibility Index score:
   • All California State University campuses use the Eligibility Index as part of the freshman admission decision. The Eligibility Index is the combination of your CSU-calculated high school GPA (HSGPA) and, for California residents, points awarded through five additional multifactor variables.
     • Freshmen from California can be awarded points when they meet the criteria for each multifactor variable. These variables, point calculation and values are described in the table at I Want to Apply.
     • CSUN does not require the SAT/ACT for admission. However, if you have taken the tests, please send us your scores to assist with placement in math and writing courses if you are admitted. AP, CLEP and IB scores are also helpful for placement.
   • Calculating your Eligibility Index:

     California residents can achieve CSUN’s minimum Eligibility Index in either of two ways:

     • A-to-G Subjects HSGPA x 1,000
       OR
     • A-to-G Subjects HSGPA x 1,000 + (Total Multifactor Eligibility Points)
   • All California applicants graduating from California high schools must possess a minimum Eligibility Index of 2500.
   • Competitive Majors. Some majors receive more applications than CSUN has spots to offer (the CSU calls this impaction). To qualify for admission to these majors, applicants from California must meet or exceed a higher Eligibility Index. Learn more about these majors at CSUN Freshman Impaction.
   • Out-of-state applicants must possess a minimum Eligibility Index of 3000 (or HSGPA of 3.0) in the A-to-G Subjects or equivalent course work listed above.