Returning to CSUN: I am a returning undergraduate student

Do I need to reapply to CSUN?

You are considered in good academic standing if you had a cumulative total GPA of 2.0 or higher at the end of your last semester. If you are in good standing but did not enroll at CSUN for three consecutive semesters, you will need to reapply for admission.

Not sure if you're qualified to return? Contact Records and Registration at admissions.records@csun.edu or call (818) 677-3700 during our business hours.

How to Apply

1. Review important deadlines. 

CSUN accepts undergraduate applications each year at the following times:

• Spring admission - between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31 for the coming spring semester.
• Fall admission - between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, now extended to Jan. 31, 2023, for the coming fall semester.

2. Prepare application materials. 

Before you apply, assemble the materials you will need to complete your application. You will need:

• Transcripts for any courses you are taking or have taken since last attending CSUN.
• Your CSUN 9-digit student ID number.
• Social Security number, if you have one.
• Your citizenship status. This is for CSU tuition purposes and will not affect your admission application.
• A credit or debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit or debit card. The online application will automatically calculate your eligibility for an application fee waiver.
• Annual income. If you are a dependent, then you'll report your parents’ or guardian’s income. If you are independent, report your income.

3. Complete the Cal State Apply application. 

Once you're ready, create an account on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. If you already have a Cal State Apply account, you can copy your existing application data to a new application.

• Learn more at Use an Existing Account to Reapply.
• You might also need to Reset Your Cal State Apply Password.

NEW! Cal State Apply has been streamlined for returning students! Be sure to:

• Indicate you are returning to CSUN when prompted, enter your CSUN 9-digit student ID number and select a scenario that applies to you.
• Carefully review your information before submitting.
• Once you submit your application, send us your official transcripts for any college courses taken since last attending CSUN.

4. Authenticate your CSUN Portal and email accounts. 

After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to authenticate your CSUN Portal and email accounts. For login help, visit CSUN user ID and password.

Once you've set up your accounts, you can check your application status in the CSUN Portal under My Checklist. You can expect your admission decision to be available as early as mid-March for the coming fall semester and mid-November for the coming spring. In-progress course work and/or missing transcripts can delay the readmission review process.

5. Send any additional transcripts. 

• If you are returning in good academic standing and have not taken courses elsewhere since you last attended CSUN, no transcripts are required.
• If you did take courses, send us your official transcripts for any college or university classes you have completed since you last attended CSUN. You must also send preliminary transcripts for course work now in progress.
• As soon as your in-progress course work is complete and grades are posted, send your final transcripts.

For transcript deadlines and instructions, see I Have Applied – Next Steps on this page.

Application Periods

At CSUN, we offer you a path to return after previous disqualification. Being disqualified means you must wait at least one semester before enrolling in CSUN courses through the regular process. You must also apply for readmission to CSUN.

You may apply to return to CSUN via Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system, at these times:

• Spring readmission - File your application between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31.
• Fall readmission - File your application between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, now extended to Jan. 31, 2023.

Please see important deadlines in the How to Apply section below.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for readmission, undergraduate and second bachelor's students must show improvements that prove their academic growth, which will continue when returning to CSUN. These include:

• Successfully completing courses in your degree program at another institution or through the Tseng College (extension) at CSUN
• Earning grades that demonstrate the ability to return to good academic standing in a reasonable timeframe if readmitted to CSUN

Complete each of the four basic subject courses required for CSU general education with a grade of C- or better:

• Written Communication
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
• Critical Thinking*
• Oral Communication (Speech)

*Students applying as Engineering or Computer Science majors do not have to complete Critical Thinking prior to readmission.

We strongly urge you to meet with a CSUN academic advisor in the college of your major to review your specific readmission requirements.

While you are preparing to demonstrate your progress, you should also begin your Cal State Apply application.

How to Apply

1. Review important deadlines. 

You'll need to wait at least one semester after being disqualified before reapplying to CSUN. Please review the application and questionnaire deadlines for fall and spring readmission in the two tables below.

TO RETURN TO CSUN IN SPRING 2023

If disqualified at the end of a spring term, the earliest you can return to CSUN is the next spring term. The Cal State Apply filing period will still be open, so an invitation code will not be necessary.

TO RETURN TO CSUN IN FALL 2023

If disqualified at the end of a fall term, the earliest you can return to CSUN is the next fall term. You probably won’t know you’ve been disqualified until after the Cal State Apply filing period closes. So, you’ll need to request a Cal State Apply invitation code from the Office of Admissions. Please see the instructions to request an invitation code after the fall table below.

*To request the invitation code for fall 2023 readmission after Jan. 31, 2023:

• Email your request to admissions.transfer@csun.edu before March 25, 2023.
• Use the subject line: PD request for Cal State Apply invitation code.
• Include the following information in the body of your email:

• CSUN 9-digit student ID number
• Your full name
• Semester of disqualification
• Desired semester of readmission
• Your request for a Cal State Apply application invitation code
• You must begin your fall application within seven days of receiving the code from the Office of Admissions.
• Submit your Cal State Apply application by April 1.

2. Prepare application materials.

Before you apply, assemble the materials you'll need to complete your application. 

• A list of the courses you are taking or have taken since last attending CSUN.
• Social Security number, if you have one.
• Your citizenship status.
• A credit or debit card. The $70 application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit or debit card. The online application will automatically calculate your eligibility for an application fee waiver.
• Annual income. If you are a dependent, then you'll report your parents’ or guardian’s income. If you are independent, report your income.

3. Begin your application on Cal State Apply. 

If you already have a Cal State Apply account, you can copy your existing application data to a new application.

• Learn more at Use an Existing Account to Reapply.
• You might also need to Reset Your Cal State Apply Password.
• If you last applied on CSU Mentor, start a new application.

Once you're ready, begin your application on Cal State Apply.

4. Fill out the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire online. 

While completing your Cal State Apply application to CSUN online, be sure to fill out the "Previously Disqualified Questionnaire." If you don’t, you’ll need to complete the PDF version of the questionnaire (see Step 5).

After you've answered the initial questions in Cal State Apply, the My Application home page will display four sections in a grid. Then:

• Select the Program Materials section.
• Choose the Questions tab inside the Program Materials section.
• Under the Previously Disqualified Question heading on the Questions tab, select the "yes" radio button if you are applying as a returning student who was previously disqualified at CSUN.
• When you select “yes,” the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire will display. Complete these questions as accurately as possible.

5. Submit your application.

After filling out the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire and all other required sections, submit your application via Cal State Apply. Please note: 

• If you do not complete the online questionnaire before submitting your application, you will need to prepare and submit the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire (PDF) and any attachments to the Office of Admissions no later than the fall or spring deadlines in the tables above.
• If the PDF questionnaire is required, you may email your completed Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire (PDF) packet to admissions.transfer@csun.edu, mail it to the address on the form, or deliver it in person to Bayramian Hall (BH) Room 160 during business hours.

6. Create or update your CSUN Portal account. 

After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to create or update your CSUN Portal and CSUN email accounts. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. For login help, visit CSUN user ID and password.

You will be notified via CSUN email of your readmission decision as early as mid-April for fall admission and mid-November for spring admission. In progress course work and/or missing transcripts can delay the readmission review process.

7. Send us your official transcripts.

Send us official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN, as well as preliminary transcripts for course work now in progress. Please note: No transcripts are required if you have only taken courses in CSUN’s Tseng College since being disqualified.

For information on how to submit transcripts, see the I have applied - Next Steps section on this page.

Applications will be reviewed in the months following the application deadline. Initial admission decisions will be based on the information you reported on your application, the transcripts that you submit, and the academic qualifications of the applicant pool.

You will be notified via CSUN email of your readmission decision as early as mid-April for fall admission and mid-November for spring admission. In progress course work and/or missing transcripts can delay the readmission review process.

After You Apply

• Set up your CSUN Portal and CSUN email account. 

1. Locate the “Activate CSUN User ID and Password” email sent to you by the Office of Admissions after you submitted your application.
2. Visit the CSUN reset password page and enter your birthdate and your CSUN user ID, 9-digit student ID number, or CSUN email address. Select the Next button.
3. Once you select Next, an email or text message (your choice) with a temporary password will be sent to you.
4. Go to the CSUN Portal (login required).
   
5. On the account authentication screen, enter your CSUN user ID and the temporary password you received by email or text message.
6. Select Login.
7. For assistance, contact the CSUN IT Help Center.

• Check your application status periodically in the CSUN Portal (login required) and review your complete and incomplete tasks in My Checklist.
• Keep your personal contact information updated.
• Email is our primary form of communication throughout the admissions process, so it’s important to keep your email address updated and check your email often. If you forward your CSUN Gmail messages to a separate email, be sure to add to your contact list.

IMPORTANT — Send Us Your Transcripts

• Send us your official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since your last enrollment at CSUN.
• Send preliminary, work-in-progress transcripts now. As soon as your in-progress course work is complete and grades are posted, send final transcripts.
• If your current college or university is your degree school, have the final official transcript sent when the degree has been posted.
• If you are returning in good academic standing and have not taken courses elsewhere since your last attendance at CSUN, no transcripts are required.
• If you were previously disqualified and have only taken courses in CSUN’s Tseng College since your disqualification, no transcripts are required.
• All transcripts, preliminary and final, must be official.
• Electronic transcripts from California community colleges are preferred. Save time with eTranscript California.
• Paper transcripts must be received in sealed, unopened envelopes. Ask your previous schools to send your official transcripts directly to us.
• Please do not send identical, duplicate paper and electronic transcripts!
• Send official paper transcripts to:

California State University, Northridge
Office of the Registrar
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207

NOTE: If you attended CSUN before 1992 and submitted official transcripts for transfer courses at that time, you must submit new transfer course transcripts.

Transcript Deadlines

Official transcripts must be postmarked to the Office of the Registrar, or hand delivered to Admissions and Records, by the following due dates:

Important:

All course work must be completed by:

• The end of the spring term before the fall semester in which you intend to enroll.
• The end of the fall term before the spring semester in which you intend to enroll.

Congratulations on your readmission to CSUN! Completing these steps will start you on the path to rejoining the CSUN family.

Step 1 - Submit Your Final Official Transcripts

Send your final, official transcripts as soon as your courses end and grades and degree (if applicable) are posted, but no later than the deadline for your semester of admission - by July 15 if you are applying for the fall semester and by Jan. 17 if you are applying for the spring semester. Send paper transcripts to the address below:

California State University, Northridge
Office of the Registrar
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207

Save time! If you are transferring course work from a California community college, please review eTranscript California.

Step 2 - Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

When deciding how to finance your CSUN education, account for your overall cost of attendance including basic tuition and fees, housing, transportation, books and personal expenses. Consider grants, loans, scholarships, part-time employment, savings and contributions from your family to make this investment affordable.

The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website provides many resources for planning ways to finance your education.

Apply for Financial Aid

Federal and state financial aid programs (grants, part-time jobs and student loans) are awarded to students who apply and meet eligibility requirements.

To begin the financial aid application process:

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as soon as possible. TIPS:
• Be sure to use the IRS data retrieval option to reduce errors.
• Add CSUN's federal school code 001153 to your FAFSA college list.
• The FAFSA and CADAA applications open Oct. 1 for the coming school year.
• If you’ve already submitted a FAFSA or CADAA application, log in to your account to add CSUN’s federalschool code 001153 to the list of colleges you want to receive your information. Helpful: How do I add a college to my FAFSA form?
• It helps to submit your FAFSA and CADAA applications by March 2 each year for priority consideration in the coming fall and spring, but you can request aid at any time, and aid can be awarded all year long.
• California residents should also file FAFSA or CAADA by March 2 to be considered for a State University Grant.

To apply for a Cal Grant:

• If you are a California resident applying for a new Cal Grant from the California Student Aid Commission, you must submit both the FAFSA or CADAA and your Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2 to be considered for an award in the coming fall and spring school year.
• You can apply for a Cal Grant at any time, however. Visit Cal Grant FAQs to learn more.
• If you already have a Cal Grant and want to renew it, you don’t have to complete the GPA Verification Form again. Just be sure to add CSUN’s federal school code 001153 to your FAFSA or CADAA application.

Apply for CSUN Scholarships

CSUN scholarships are competitive and each requires a separate application and essay. Review each scholarship's application requirements carefully.

To begin the CSUN scholarship application process:

• Go to myMatador Scholarships and login with your CSUN user ID and password.
• Submit a separate online application and essay for each scholarship for which you meet the eligibility requirements.

You will be notified of your eligibility by late spring. Check your CSUN Portal regularly for your application and award status and the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website for additional scholarship opportunities posted throughout the year.

Apply for External Scholarships

Organizations other than CSUN award countless scholarships each year. Students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Review the off-campus scholarships website for more information.

Guidelines for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Priority Deadlines

Financial aid and scholarship applications are reviewed and aid is awarded throughout the year based on available funding. Some grant funds are limited, so apply early and submit documents as soon as requested.

Your Financial Aid Award and Disbursement

Log in to the CSUN Portal to view your financial aid award. If you are registered for classes and your aid is available, University Cash Services will apply financial aid funds to any charges on your account and issue refunds for any remaining amount. Sign up for eRefund by early August to receive your refund amount via direct deposit.

When your financial aid is disbursed, amounts due from basic tuition and fees and housing will be deducted automatically from your awarded aid. University Cash Services will send you an email and you may view the transactions in your student account.

Helpful: Financial aid guides and tutorials

Step 3 - Schedule an Academic Advisement Appointment

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to set up your academic plan before enrolling in classes. Advisement depends on your academic college and major. 

• Check your CSUN email regularly for advisement information.
• Find your advisor at I’m a Continuing Student.

Step 4 - Register for Classes

Look for your registration appointment in the CSUN Portal under My Checklist. Clear any registration holds before registering.

Learn about self-service registration with these resources:

• Register for Classes
• How-To Guides
• My Checklist Guide 
• Registration Calendar

Step 5 - Pay Tuition and Fees

Tuition and other fees are due at the time you register but no later than the deadlines in the fee payment schedule.

How to Pay Your Fees

1. Log in to the CSUN Portal.
2. In the list of links below the Top Tools icons, select Make a Payment.
3. On the Student Account Information page, review your Current Balance Outstanding.
4. Select CSUN Payment button.

For additional information regarding fee payment, download the Important Fee Payment Requirements (PDF) document. It's updated each term.

Please be aware of the student disclosure regarding the Schedule of Tuition and Other Fees.

Step 6 - Update Your Contact Information

So that we can keep in contact, please:

• Check your CSUN email often for the latest information.
• Verify your mailing address, phone number, alternate email address, and emergency contacts in the CSUN Portal. Learn how at Update Personal Information.

Best wishes for your return to CSUN!