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California State University, Chico

How to Apply: Transfer

Dare to take the next step in your educational journey by joining the Wildcat Family.

Chico State’s undergraduate application is open for starting classes in the fall (August) and spring (January) through  Cal State Apply, the application for all CSU campuses.

Application Open Dates

Fall Semester Start: October 1–February 15
Spring Semester Start: August 1–September 30

Get Started

  1. Review Admissions Criteria
    Types of transfer and admission requirements are determined by how much college has been completed or will be completed prior to your first day of classes at Chico State.

  2. Prepare Your Application Materials
    Gather your unofficial college transcripts (and high school transcripts in the case of lower-division transfers) and household income information to make filling out the application simple. Explore Chico State's majors before you start your application.

  3. Submit Your Application
    Apply online through Cal State Apply. Visit the Help Center for application tips, troubleshooting, and more.

  4. Pay Your Fee
    There is a $70 application fee unless you qualify for an application fee waiver. The application will notify you automatically if you qualify for a fee waiver when you’re ready to submit.

  5. Keep in Touch
    Make sure you add info@csuchico.edu to your contact list. Email is our primary form of communication throughout the admissions process. You will be contacted if we need any additional supporting documents such as transcripts or residency information.

Musical Theatre BFA Applicants

Audition materials are expected to be submitted through GetAcceptd within two weeks of submitting your Cal State Apply application. More information is available through the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department. 

Application Processing

We review and admit applicants on a rolling basis, so check your personal email and mailbox regularly for a decision from us.

  • Check Your Status
    After applying, log in to your Portal and navigate to the Student Center to check your admission status. You will also be notified of admissions decisions by email and mail.

  • Submit Additional Documents (if requested)
    All transfer applicants must submit two sets of transcripts: initial and final.
    1. All transfer applicants must submit two sets of transcripts: initial and final.
      For fall applicants, submit initial transcripts by February 15 with grades through the previous fall term. Final transcripts are due July 15.
    2. For spring applicants, submit initial transcripts by October 16 with grades through the previous spring term. Final transcripts are due February 15.

  • Accept Admissions Offer
    Once you have been offered admission, commit to Chico State by accepting your admissions offer in the Student Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you begin your application, have the following items on hand:

  • Unofficial college transcripts. You'll be asked to enter all courses you've completed, those currently in progress, and any you plan to take. Enter your grades as they appear on your transcript using your school grading scale.
  • Unofficial high school transcripts: Lower-division transfers only!
  • Your citizenship status.
  • Credit card. Application fees are due at the time of submission and are paid by credit card.
  • Annual income. If you are a dependent, then report your household If you are independent, then report your income.
  • Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) applicants only: Your parents’ employment background and two recommendations.

If your application information is complete, we may have sufficient information to determine your eligibility for admission automatically, but no matter what, we need an initial set of official transcripts from each transfer applicant showing grades through the term two semesters before you start classes at Chico State. Final transcripts must be submitted by the final document deadline after submitting your intent to enroll and after your final grades are available.

Send official transcripts from your institutions to:  

Mailed Transcripts
Office of Admissions  
400 W First St 
Chico, CA 95929-0722 

Electronic Transcripts 
Office of Admissions  
info@csuchico.edu  

Transfer applicants must choose a major at the time of application. Your application major can be changed; just contact the Office of Admissions up until school starts to do so. Once school starts, you can change your major through the Office of the Registrar.

The determination of residency for tuition purposes affects whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition fees and is guided by California state law. Out-of-state tuition fees are higher than in-state tuition fees.

Visit the California State University Residency website to review CSU residency requirements, important residence determination dates, and exceptions and exemptions, along with important residency forms and information regarding the appeal process.

DACA, undocumented, or AB540 students:

  1. In your Cal State Apply Extended Profile, select "No" when it asks if you require an F1 or J1 visa.
  2. Select "California" as the state of residence if you consider California to be your permanent home.
  3. In the Citizenship/Residency Information section of the application, select "None" for your US citizenship.

Be aware that missing or inaccurate information can result in you being considered a non-California resident for CSU tuition purposes.

Contact Undergraduate Admissions

We’re here to help! Call us Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., to talk directly to an admissions expert. Or use live chat during our open hours. No automated voice messages—we promise!

Phone: 530-898-6322
Email: info@csuchico.edu

Other Contact Info