Returning Students: Welcome Back To California State University?

California State University is accepting returning students, with the specific process depending on the campus and the student's previous status. For example, Cal State LA requires students who have lost their status to attend a workshop to determine the steps for readmission, while CSUSB has a simplified re-enrollment process for students who are on an approved leave of absence for one or two consecutive semesters. At CSU Northridge, returning students don't need to reapply or pay an application fee, but they do need to fill out a Welcome Back Form.

Returning to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is one of the fastest-growing universities in California. CSUSB is located on 430 acres at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and is one of the 23 CSU campuses across the state. The university offers 58 undergraduate degrees and 46 graduate degrees across 5 academic colleges.

CSUSB welcomes back former students who successfully completed at least one semester in a degree-seeking baccalaureate program. The first step in returning to CSUSB is to determine the type of Re-Admission Category you fall under. Re-admission consideration is based on both your academic standing when you left and whether you have attempted units since your enrollment in a CSUSB degree program.

If you were in good academic standing when you left and your CSUSB cumulative grade point average was above 2.0, you may qualify for a simplified re-enrollment process as a returning student. However, if your GPA was below 2.0, you will need to contact Academic Advising to discuss options for completing your re-admission process.

If you attended CSUSB through special programs and were not considered degree-seeking at the time, you do not qualify as a returning student. This includes High School University, Open University, and any programs offered through the College of Extended and Global Education.

All applications for admission to CSUSB must be submitted online on the Cal State Apply website. The application and fee of $70 are required if you were not enrolled in any of the three terms (not including summer) prior to the term for which you are seeking admission.

Re-admission categories

California State University (CSU) comprises 23 campuses across the state, including Cal State LA, Cal State Northridge, and Cal State San Bernardino. Each campus has its own admissions process and requirements for returning students. Here are the re-admission categories and general guidelines for returning to a CSU campus:

• Degree-seeking students on an approved leave of absence: Students who were enrolled as degree-seeking students and took an approved leave of absence for one or two consecutive semesters do not need to reapply for admission. They can simply follow the return process outlined by the specific CSU campus.
• Students who left in good academic standing: Students who voluntarily withdrew or took a break from their studies while in good academic standing (usually with a GPA of 2.0 or higher) may be eligible for re-admission. They must meet the Major-Specific Admission Criteria (MSC) and any other requirements for their chosen major.
• Disqualified students: Students who were academically disqualified or left with a GPA below 2.0 may still be considered for re-admission. They may need to meet with an advisor to discuss options for completing their re-admission process and improving their GPA.
• Returning Transfer Students: Students who stopped attending a CSU campus and completed additional coursework at another institution since leaving are considered Returning Transfer Students. They will need to provide official transcripts from all institutions attended and meet the transfer student requirements for their desired major.
• Special program students: Students who attended CSU through special programs such as High School University or Open University and were not considered degree-seeking at the time do not qualify as Returning students. They will need to apply as new students if they wish to pursue a degree.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and processes for re-admission may vary depending on the CSU campus and the student's individual circumstances. Students are encouraged to review the admissions website and contact the admissions office or an academic advisor at their specific CSU campus for detailed information and guidance on their re-admission category and requirements.

Application process

The application process for returning students depends on the specific California State University campus and the student's previous status. Here is a detailed guide to the application process for returning students to various California State University campuses:

California State University, Northridge (CSUN):

CSUN welcomes returning undergraduate students and has a simplified process for them. Returning students to CSUN do not need to reapply on Cal State Apply or pay the $70 application fee. They simply need to fill out the Welcome Back Form. Domestic students who left CSUN in all categories of academic standing—good standing, academic notice, or disqualified status—can use this form. Returning students who wish to change their major are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor as soon as possible.

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA):

Cal State LA has specific requirements and processes for returning students. Students who have lost their status at Cal State LA must attend a workshop to determine the steps for readmission. They must bring transcripts reflecting all coursework attempted since disqualification. Returning students must meet the current Major-Specific Admission Criteria (MSC) and refer to the Admissions page for reapplication deadlines. Cal State LA also provides application tips and a Returning Student Advising FAQ webpage to assist returning students.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB):

CSUSB also accepts returning students who successfully completed at least one semester in a degree-seeking baccalaureate program. The re-admission consideration is based on the student's academic standing when they left and whether they have attempted units since their enrollment in a CSUSB degree program. CSUSB uses the Cal State Apply application, which requires students to enter college coursework from other institutions completed after leaving CSUSB.

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH):

CSUDH offers multiple pathways for returning students. For those who last attended CSUDH in Spring 2023, left in good standing, and haven't taken courses elsewhere, submitting a Welcome Back Form for Fall 2025 is an option. CSUDH also offers "Open University," allowing eligible students to take classes without formal admission, which is ideal for those who need to improve their CSUDH GPA or complete specific requirements. Additionally, CSUDH provides resources like the College Student Success Center, where advisors can assist with strategies to increase GPAs and determine missing requirements for graduation.

General Application Tips:

Regardless of the specific campus, returning students should ensure they have all necessary transcripts readily available. This includes transcripts from all institutions attended since leaving the CSU campus, including any in-progress coursework. It is also essential to maintain a current email address and check it regularly, as universities will send notifications regarding admission status and next steps. Additionally, be mindful of application deadlines and re-admission categories, as they vary across campuses.

Readmission criteria

California State University (CSU) welcomes returning students and has a range of criteria for readmission. The specific requirements for readmission depend on the CSU campus and the student's previous academic standing. Here are the readmission criteria for several CSU campuses:

Cal State LA (CSULA)

CSULA accepts returning students who have completed at least one semester in a degree-seeking baccalaureate program. Readmission is based on the student's academic standing when they left and whether they have attempted units at another college or university since their enrollment at CSULA. Students who have lost their continuing student status at CSULA must meet specific criteria for readmission, including the Major-Specific Criteria (MSC). Students who left the university in good standing, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, must still meet the major-specific criteria for their chosen major. CSULA also offers workshops to provide students with the necessary information for completing the readmission process.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

CSUSB welcomes former students who have completed at least one semester in a degree-seeking baccalaureate program. Similar to CSULA, readmission to CSUSB is based on the student's academic standing when they left and whether they have attempted units at another institution since their enrollment at CSUSB. Students who left CSUSB with a GPA below 2.0 will need to contact Academic Advising to discuss options for completing their readmission process.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

CSUN offers a simplified readmission process for returning students. Domestic students who left CSUN in good standing, on academic notice, or in disqualified status can use the Welcome Back Form. Previously disqualified students may also use the form, effective spring 2025 and after. Students returning in good academic standing or on academic notice who have not taken courses elsewhere since leaving CSUN are not required to submit transcripts. However, those who have taken courses elsewhere must submit official transcripts for any college or university classes completed since their last attendance at CSUN.

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)

CSUDH provides various pathways for returning students. Students who last attended CSUDH in Spring 2023, left in good standing, and have not taken courses at another college or university may be eligible to submit a Welcome Back Form for Fall 2025. CSUDH also offers "Summer Intercession" and "Winter Intercession" programs at Open Academic Programs for students who missed the deadline to return or are looking for immediate enrollment. Additionally, Open University allows eligible students to take classes without formal admission to the university, which is ideal for those who need to improve their CSUDH grade point average.

Deadlines

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA):

• For Spring 2025 admission, returning applicants must apply online between August 1 and August 31, 2024. All admission requirements must be completed by the end of Summer 2024.
• To maintain continuing student status, students must not have an absence of more than 4 consecutive semesters (2 years) without re-applying for readmission.
• Students who have lost their status must meet certain conditions for readmission, including attending a workshop and submitting transcripts reflecting all coursework attempted since disqualification.
• Admitted students must pay the $100 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit (ECD) by May 1 for Fall admission or November 1 for Spring admission.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB):

• Returning students must meet the re-admission requirements based on their academic standing and whether they have attempted units since their enrollment.
• Students who left CSUSB with a GPA below 2.0 will need to contact Academic Advising to discuss their re-admission process.
• The Cal State Apply application requires transcripts from other institutions completed after leaving CSUSB.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN):

• Returning students can use the Welcome Back Form instead of reapplying through Cal State Apply. Domestic students in all categories of academic standing can use this form.
• Students returning in good academic standing or on academic notice who have not taken courses elsewhere do not need to submit transcripts. Otherwise, official transcripts must be sent to the Office of the Registrar.
• For Spring 2025, the deadline for the Welcome Back Form was in September.

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH):

• CSUDH offers various pathways for returning students, including Open University, which allows students to take classes without formal admission.
• For Fall 2025, students who last attended CSUDH in Spring 2023, left in good standing, and haven't taken courses elsewhere may submit a Welcome Back Form between January 2025 and May 31, 2025.
• Spring 2025 applications are accepted from August 1 to September 30, 2024, while Fall 2025 applications are accepted from October 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.

Frequently asked questions