Skip to Main Content
Two students examine a robotic device they developed

Transfer Students

You are considered a Transfer student applicant if you have taken any college-level classes since your high school graduation but have not completed a bachelor’s degree.

Who is a Transfer student?

Chico State accepts both lower-division and upper-division transfer students, which includes anyone who has attempted some college coursework after high school graduation (any number of units) but has not completed a bachelor's degree.

You are considered a…

  • Lower-division transfer if you’ve completed less than 60 semester units (90 quarter units)
  • Upper-division transfer if you’ve completed 60 or more semester units

Admissions requirements are different for lower-division and upper-division students, so be sure to review them carefully.

If you are an international applicant who will need an F or J visa to study in the United States, please see the International Transfer page.

If you already have a bachelor's degree and are seeking a second bachelor’s, review the second bachelor’s process.

Are you beginning your college journey at a California Community College? If yes, you could be guaranteed admission to Chico State when you’re ready to transfer! Sign up for a Transfer Success Pathway with Chico State. For more information, visit our Wildcat Guarantee page.

Student sitting outside studying with books and laptop, beneath large campus trees.

Your Application

Chico State accepts transfer applications for students starting in both the fall and spring semesters. Learn more about our application process, requirements, and how to submit your application materials.

Important Deadlines

  • Accept Your Offer

    All types of domestic undergraduate (seeking a bachelor’s degree) students can apply to start classes in fall or spring semesters. Submit your Cal State Apply application before the application deadline for consideration. 

    Fall Semester: October 1–December 15
    Spring Semester: August 1–September 30

    Request to apply late for spring 2025 from October 1–November 15 
    For undergraduate domestic students without international coursework

  • Deadline to Accept Your Offer

    Confirm your spot in the Wildcat Family by accepting your admissions offer prior to the deadline.

    Fall Semester: May 1
    Spring Semester: November 15

Applicant Resources

  • Deadlines and To-Dos

    Application due dates, financial aid filing periods, housing deadlines, special events, and more.

  • Admissions Requirements

    Review CSU admissions criteria for grades and coursework to determine your eligibility. No essays or test scores are required, but we give applicants college credit for AP test scores of 3 or higher!

  • Cost and Aid

    Calculate and review your costs of attendance as well as learn about the types of financial aid available.

Students in a classroom with laptops, listening to instructor.

Explore Academic Programs

You’ve heard it before: you can be anything you want. Chico State is a place where you can bring that goal to life. Our 70+ majors open access to boundless career opportunities. And with many majors boasting a 100 percent job-placement rate, your future is closer than ever.

Support From Day 1

Wherever you’re starting from, we’re here to help make the transfer process as smooth as possible. Review these helpful resources to set you up for success.

Community College Transfer

All articulated subjects you’ve completed and up to 70 college-level semester units of credit can be transferred from a regionally accredited community college.

Transferring from a California Community College? Plan your journey with the California State University’s Transfer Planner tool, which allows you to map out your coursework and general education requirements, enter test scores, explore Chico State’s program offerings, calculate your GPA, and more. The CSU has provided detailed Transfer Planner instructions

The CSU Transfer Planner can also help you enroll in a Transfer Success Pathway, guaranteeing your spot at Chico State when you’re ready to transfer.

Transfer from a Domestic Four-Year Institution

After you are admitted to Chico State, your transfer credit is evaluated prior to attending Orientation so you and your advisors can choose your first-semester courses based on your current progress toward graduation.

All articulated subjects you’ve completed and all college-level units can be transferred from a regionally accredited four-year institution.

Use assist.org to determine equivalent courses from California colleges and universities for your major, general education (GE), and transferable units.

International Colleges and Universities

Visit our International Transfers page for information and resources.

Programs for Transfer Students

Whether you’re applying from out of state, the first generation in your family to go to college, or looking for structured support, we have many programs that help make Chico State affordable and easy to navigate.

  • Western Undergraduate Exchange

    The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a scholarship program that allows students from certain Western states and territories to pay a reduced out-of-state tuition fee. You may save up to $9,000 a year through this program!

  • Educational Opportunity Program

    Helping low-income and first-generation students, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides personalized advising and support resources. If you have the motivation to succeed, EOP is here to help you make it happen.

  • California Promise

    Students with an associate's degree for transfer (ADT) who participate in the California Promise program receive advising and support along with a guarantee that they will graduate in two years.

  • Wildcat Guarantee Programs

    Just getting started at a community college and applying as a transfer student? The Wildcat Guarantee programs can save your spot at Chico State and help you start now so you’re on track for an efficient transfer process.

A happy student raises their arms in celebration on a sunny day outdoors.

Once You’re Accepted

Did you get an offer of admission and are wondering what you need to do next? Learn more about the steps you need to take and the things to remember after you have been selected for Chico State.

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