CSU Launches Direct Admission Pilot Program

The California State University (CSU) system has initiated a groundbreaking pilot program in partnership with Riverside County, enabling approximately 12,000 eligible high school seniors to receive direct admission to 10 CSU campuses for the Fall 2025 semester without a formal application. Students must meet the A-G requirements to qualify and will receive brochures detailing the conditional admission process by mail. The initiative aims to streamline college access and alleviate the stress of the application process, particularly for first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds. Participating universities include CSU Channel Islands, Chico State, and Cal State San Bernardino, among others. While students will receive one free application through this program, they can still apply to other CSU campuses, though additional criteria may apply for impacted programs. The program is seen as a transformative step towards increasing higher education accessibility in California's diverse regions.