If you’re looking for universities in California with high acceptance rates, several schools across the state are known for being more accessible while still providing quality education. These schools are often less selective compared to the highly competitive institutions like Stanford or UCLA, making them great options for students seeking good educational opportunities with a higher chance of acceptance.
Here’s a list of universities in California with high acceptance rates:
1. California State University, Stanislaus (CSU Stanislaus)
- Location: Turlock, California
- Acceptance Rate: 89-90%
CSU Stanislaus is part of the California State University system and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its supportive academic environment and relatively small student body compared to other CSU campuses, it’s an excellent choice for students seeking personal attention and accessible faculty.
- Popular Majors: Business, Education, Psychology, Liberal Arts
2. California State University, Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield)
- Location: Bakersfield, California
- Acceptance Rate: 85-90%
CSU Bakersfield is another accessible school within the CSU system, known for its focus on serving the educational needs of California’s Central Valley region. It offers a broad range of undergraduate programs and is particularly strong in nursing, education, and business.
- Popular Majors: Business Administration, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Psychology
3. California State University, San Bernardino (CSU San Bernardino)
- Location: San Bernardino, California
- Acceptance Rate: 85-89%
CSU San Bernardino provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment, offering strong programs in fields like criminal justice, business, and education. The school serves a large population of first-generation college students and focuses on community engagement and social mobility.
- Popular Majors: Criminal Justice, Business, Psychology, Education
4. California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
- Location: Fresno, California
- Acceptance Rate: 80-85%
Fresno State is a large public university that serves the central region of California. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on agriculture, business, and education. Fresno State’s acceptance rate is high, making it a great option for students looking for a diverse, accessible institution.
- Popular Majors: Agriculture, Business, Psychology, Education
5. California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSU Dominguez Hills)
- Location: Carson, California
- Acceptance Rate: 85-90%
CSU Dominguez Hills is located in the Los Angeles area and is known for its commitment to diversity and student success. The university offers a variety of programs and has a reputation for being accessible to a wide range of students, including transfer students and those from underserved communities.
- Popular Majors: Business, Psychology, Health Science, Criminal Justice
6. California State University, East Bay (CSU East Bay)
- Location: Hayward, California
- Acceptance Rate: 70-75%
CSU East Bay has a slightly more competitive acceptance rate compared to other CSU campuses but still admits a large percentage of applicants. It offers strong programs in business, health sciences, and education, with a diverse student body and a focus on professional development.
- Popular Majors: Business, Psychology, Health Sciences, Computer Science
7. California State University, Monterey Bay (CSU Monterey Bay)
- Location: Seaside, California
- Acceptance Rate: 80-85%
CSU Monterey Bay is known for its scenic location near the coast and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s a smaller CSU campus with a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies, sustainability, and environmental science.
- Popular Majors: Environmental Science, Business, Psychology, Marine Science
8. California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State)
- Location: Sacramento, California
- Acceptance Rate: 75-85%
Sacramento State offers a wide range of programs, including highly regarded ones in public policy, education, and business. The campus is located near the state capital, which provides students with unique opportunities for internships and careers in government and public service.
- Popular Majors: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Communication Studies
9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
- Location: Pomona, California
- Acceptance Rate: 65-70%
Although Cal Poly Pomona is a bit more selective than other CSU campuses, it still maintains a relatively high acceptance rate. The university is known for its polytechnic approach, offering hands-on, practical education, especially in fields like engineering, architecture, and business.
- Popular Majors: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Agriculture
10. San Francisco State University (SFSU)
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Acceptance Rate: 75-80%
San Francisco State University is one of the larger CSU campuses and offers a wide variety of programs with a focus on social justice, public health, and the arts. Its urban location in San Francisco provides students with access to numerous professional opportunities in technology, media, and healthcare.
- Popular Majors: Business, Cinema, Biology, Psychology
11. University of La Verne
- Location: La Verne, California
- Acceptance Rate: 70-75%
The University of La Verne is a private university known for its focus on student success, small class sizes, and personalized education. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to diversity and community engagement. La Verne has a relatively high acceptance rate for a private institution.
- Popular Majors: Business, Education, Psychology, Health Administration
12. California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
- Location: Camarillo, California
- Acceptance Rate: 75-85%
CSU Channel Islands is a newer addition to the California State University system, offering a small-campus feel with strong programs in business, nursing, and education. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, and its location near the coast makes it attractive for students seeking a unique academic environment.
- Popular Majors: Business, Psychology, Nursing, Biology
Conclusion
For students looking for universities in California with high acceptance rates, the California State University system offers numerous options. Schools like CSU Stanislaus, CSU Bakersfield, and CSU San Bernardino are particularly accessible while still offering solid educational programs. In addition, private universities like University of La Verne also provide opportunities for students who prefer smaller class sizes and personalized attention. These institutions offer strong academic programs and accessible pathways to higher education, making them great options for many students.
