California State University, Sacramento Admission
California State University, Sacramento Undergraduate Program
California State University, Sacramento Application

The Facts

California State University, Sacramento is a rather large branch of the 22 member CSU system, a large state-supported network of universities throughout the state of California. CSU Sacramento is located in the California’s capital of Sacramento, and is home to over 17,100 undergraduate students and approximately 11,000 graduate and part-time professional students. The university is divided up into several smaller graduate and undergraduate schools that include programs in the areas of the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, education, engineering, music, as well as health and human services. The school is perhaps best known for its anthropology department, which houses its own anthropology museum. The academic divisions offer broad majors in the areas of biological science, business (which includes a tough to find real estate program), communications and the arts, computer and physical science, education, engineering and environmental design, health professions (which houses unique programs in environmental health science and medical laboratory technology), and social science (which includes a very sought-after criminal justice program.) Some of the most popular major choices include nursing, criminal justice, business administration, and communications.

CS Sacramento is one of the most competitive California State schools to be admitted to. Many qualified out of state students are vying for the same places as equally qualified in state students, making the competition quite tough. Last year, over 11,220 students applied for admission to the school, and approximately 5,870 of those students were accepted; of those, about 2,440 matriculated. The admitted students had an average combined SAT score ranging from 1060 to 1120, and an average comprehensive ACT score ranging from 19 to 26. Additionally, more than 80% of those admitted were ranked in the top 25% of their high school graduating class with an average high school GPA of about 3.72.

CSU Sacramento has an extremely high student to faculty ratio of 25:1, and many students complain that their classes are too big, and that most of their professors have no idea who they are. There are, however, the exceptional teachers who make a point to get to know each and every one of their students, and keep up with their progress and well-being.

The Social Scene

The town of Sacramento is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and as the capital of one of the nation’s largest states, it offer plenty of culture and entertainment to students. Additionally, the city is only about a hour and a half away from San Francisco by car, which can provide a much needed respite from the often blistering desert heat. The school is also quite close to the Napa Valley and wine country, where plenty of gastronomic delights anxiously await. Most students own cars, so these weekend road trips are usually no problem. CSU Sacramento is home to 29 fraternities and sororities, and while there are many Greeks, they aren’t actually an overwhelming presence on campus. Drinking is definitely popular, but for those students who aren’t into weekend partying, the school has over 250 student clubs and organizations that would be happy to keep you busy!

The dating scene is extremely diverse, and in the most attractive way possible, if you know what I mean...

What’s Good

“There is plenty to do around campus. Sacramento is a constantly evolving place, and it’s great for college students.”

“The weather is always warm and amazing. You don’t have to worry about being frozen solid in the winter walking from class to class.”

“People just tend to be really laid back, and don’t stress out too much about their work. It’s a nice change of pace.”

What’s Bad

“The classes are just way too big. I’ve gone through a couple years where none of my professors know who I am.”

“The partying gets way too out of hand. You’re always hearing about kids who got rushed to the hospital with alcohol poisoning. Lovely.”

“A car is basically a necessity here, because everything is so far away. It’s a very annoying expense to have to worry about.”

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