College applications don’t always have to be stressful. Finding a California college with a high acceptance rate can make the application process a lot less stressful and way more predictable. To ease your college application process, you can prioritize California colleges and universities with higher acceptance rates to strengthen your admission odds.
What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California?
As of 2024–2025 data, the easiest colleges to get into in California are primarily part of the California State University (CSU) system. Several CSU campuses report acceptance rates above 90 percent, which makes them some of the most accessible four-year universities in the state. These include:
- Cal State San Bernardino – ~90%1
- Cal State Stanislaus – ~97%2
- Cal State East Bay – ~96%3
- Fresno State (Cal State Fresno) – ~96%4
- Sonoma State University – ~95%5
- Cal State Monterey Bay – ~93%6
These acceptance rates are based on the most recent admissions data from U.S. News & World Report. For comparison purposes, the University of California (UC) San Diego accepted 28.4% of first-year applicants, UCLA accepted 9%, and UC Berkeley accepted 12%, which reflects a significantly more competitive process compared to most of the California State University campuses.7-9
Colleges in California With Open Admissions
Open admissions is a non-selective college admissions system where the only requirement is that you have proof that you received a high school diploma, GED, or you can provide a certification of your attendance. Most schools with open admissions policies are community colleges or private institutions, and they have a strong focus on accessibility.
Some colleges in California with these types of open admissions policies include:
- Academy of Art University (San Francisco) – A private, for-profit art and design school that admits all students who meet their basic requirements.
- Allan Hancock College (Santa Maria) – A public community college that offers associate degrees, transfer programs, and vocational certificates.
- City College of San Francisco – One of California’s largest community colleges, with a wide range of open-enrollment academic and workforce programs.
- Santa Ana College – A public community college that serves over 25,000 students annually with an open-access admissions process.
- Santiago Canyon College (Orange) – A public community college that has transfer programs and career technical education pathways.
These institutions provide opportunities for students of all backgrounds, including those who may not meet traditional GPA or standardized test score thresholds that are needed for other universities.
Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in California?
Yes. Several California universities combine strong academics with high acceptance rates. Schools like Sonoma State University, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State East Bay, and Cal State San Bernardino all admit more than 90 percent of applicants and also offer diverse degree programs and campus resources.1-6
Common Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in California
Even at colleges with high acceptance rates, applicants still typically have to meet basic admissions requirements. These types of common requirements include:
- Official high school transcript. Most schools require an official transcript sent directly from your high school.
- Minimum GPA. Many CSU campuses set a baseline GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 for first-year applicants.
- College-preparatory coursework. Applicants are expected to complete the A–G subject requirements, which includes math, English, science, social science, and foreign language.
- Letters of recommendation. These are typically required only by private universities, usually from teachers or supervisors, but may also be required sometimes by public institutions.
- English proficiency test. Non-native English speakers may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
The Best Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in California
School | Acceptance Rate | Tuition (2024–2025) |
Cal State Humboldt | ~83%21 | ~$8,82422 |
Cal State San Bernardino | ~90%1 | ~$6,000 (in state), ~$18,000 (out of state)10 |
Cal State Stanislaus | ~97%2 | ~$6,450 (in state)11 |
Cal State East Bay | ~96%3 | ~$7,993 (in state)12 |
Fresno State (Cal State Fresno) | ~96%4 | ~$4,112.50 (in state), out of state cost depends on credit amount13 |
Sonoma State University | ~95%5 | ~$8,624 (in state), $21,224 (out of state)14 |
Cal State Monterey Bay | ~93%6 | ~$6,450 (in state)16 |
Cal State Dominguez Hills | ~88%15 | ~$7,845 (in state), out of state cost depends on credit amount17 |
Cal State Bakersfield | ~85%18 | ~$4,250 (in state)19 |
Academy of Art University | Open admission | ~$31,22420 |
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California: A Closer Look
Cal State Humboldt
Location: Arcata, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~83%
Cal State Humboldt is one of three polytechnic universities in the CSU system and offers students small class sizes and hands-on learning in fields like environmental science and engineering. The campus sits among Northern California’s redwoods, which gives students a unique learning environment that is close to the coast.
Cal State San Bernardino
Location: San Bernardino, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~90%
Known for its diverse student body and affordable tuition, Cal State San Bernardino provides strong programs in business, education, and criminal justice. The school’s high acceptance rate makes it one of the most accessible CSUs while still maintaining nationally accredited programs.
Cal State Stanislaus
Location: Turlock, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~97%
Cal State Stanislaus emphasizes close faculty–student engagement and offers more than 45 undergraduate majors. The university’s campus is recognized for its supportive learning environment, which makes it particularly appealing for first-generation college students.
Cal State East Bay
Location: Hayward, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~96%
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cal State East Bay is known for its strong nursing, health sciences, and business programs. Its high acceptance rate makes it a popular choice for transfer students and people who are seeking affordability near a major metro area.
Fresno State (Cal State Fresno)
Location: Fresno, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~96%
Fresno State offers more than 70 bachelor’s degree programs and has a nationally recognized business school. Students who attend school here will benefit from research opportunities and Division I athletics, while still enjoying one of the highest acceptance rates in the CSU system.
Sonoma State University
Location: Rohnert Park, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~95%
Sonoma State University provides a liberal arts focus and strong programs in business, education, and the sciences. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, the school emphasizes personalized instruction and offers broad financial aid opportunities.
Cal State Monterey Bay
Location: Seaside, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~93%
Cal State Monterey Bay is located on the site of the former Fort Ord military base, and is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity and community service.
Cal State Dominguez Hills
Location: Carson, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~88%
CSU Dominguez Hills serves one of the most diverse student populations in California. It offers programs in business administration, nursing, and digital media arts. The university has recently expanded its facilities, which included modernized classrooms and athletic spaces.
Cal State Bakersfield
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Acceptance Rate: ~85%
CSU Bakersfield has more than 50 undergraduate programs, with strengths in nursing, business, and education. The university supports student research opportunities and has been recognized for upward mobility among first-generation and low-income students.
Academy of Art University
Location: San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate: Open admission
Academy of Art University maintains an open admissions policy, requiring only proof of a high school diploma or GED. Known for its creative degrees in design, film, and fine arts, it offers students flexible options, including fully online programs.
Online Colleges Based in California That Are Easy to Get Into
Several California universities and private schools also offer online programs with high acceptance rates, which makes them accessible options for students seeking flexibility. These institutions provide a wide range of degree paths and professional certificates that can be completed remotely.
Azusa Pacific University. Azusa Pacific admits most qualified applicants, with an acceptance rate of about 80 percent.24 The school offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which are available fully online or at regional campuses across Southern California.
Sonoma State University. While known for its on-campus experience, Sonoma State also offers select online and hybrid courses. With an acceptance rate near 95 percent, it’s one of the more accessible CSU campuses for students in the North Bay and beyond.5
University of California, Merced. UC Merced continues to expand its online course offerings, including certificate and extension programs. Its overall acceptance rate of about 89 percent makes it more accessible than most UC campuses.25
California Baptist University. California Baptist University in Riverside offers a robust Division of Online and Professional Studies. Its acceptance rate is about 74 percent, making it an accessible option among private Christian universities in the state.26Cal State Humboldt. In addition to its on-campus programs, Cal State Humboldt offers several online degrees and certificates. With an acceptance rate of 83 percent, it is one of the easiest California universities to enter while providing flexible distance learning opportunities.21
Should I Attend Community College in California and Then Transfer to University?
Yes. Community colleges in California still remain as one of the most affordable and flexible entry points into higher education. Many students use them as a pathway to four-year universities through something called the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, which guarantees admission to participating CSU campuses for qualified graduates. Community colleges are especially valuable for students with lower GPAs or people that are seeking to save on tuition before transferring to a university.
Easiest Community Colleges to Get Into in California
Community colleges in California have open admissions processes, which means that any student with a high school diploma or equivalent can apply and enroll. These schools provide affordable tuition, smaller class sizes, and transfer pathways to the bigger CSU or UC campuses. Here are a few of the easiest community colleges to get into in California:
- Cerritos College
- Cuesta College
- Ohlone College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Lake Tahoe Community College
Should I Attend a University in California With a High Acceptance Rate?
Yes. A high acceptance rate does not mean lower educational quality, and many CSU campuses admit more than 90 percent of applicants while still offering accredited programs, research opportunities, and strong student support services. What matters most is whether the university’s programs, campus resources, and location align with your academic and career goals, more than just what their acceptance rate is.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California FAQ
Yes. Los Angeles has multiple community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). These schools include Los Angeles City College, East Los Angeles College, and Pierce College. These schools offer open admissions, associate degrees, and transfer pathways to CSU and UC campuses.
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Community colleges are two-year institutions where students can earn associate degrees, vocational certificates, or transferable credits that will count towards a four-year program. By contrast, universities are four-year institutions that award bachelor’s degrees and, in many cases, graduate degrees such as master’s and doctorates.
The most selective institutions in California include Stanford University (~4%), University of California–Los Angeles (~9%), and University of California–Berkeley (~12%).8-9,23
Stanford University consistently has the lowest acceptance rate in the state at around 4 percent for the Class of 2029, which makes it one of the most selective schools in the nation.23
References
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-san-bernardino-1142/applying
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-stanislaus-1157/applying#:~:text=California%20State%20University%2D%2DStanislaus%20has%20an%20acceptance%20rate%20of,a%20very%20important%20academic%20factor.
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-east-bay-1138/applying#:~:text=California%20State%20University%2D%2DEast%20Bay%20has%20an%20acceptance%20rate,learn%20more%20about%20College%20Compass.
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-fresno-1147/applying#:~:text=California%20State%20University%2D%2DFresno%20has%20an%20acceptance%20rate%20of,score%20of%2016%20and%2027.
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/sonoma-state-university-1156/applying
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/csumb-32603/applying
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- https://www.csusb.edu/admissions/cost
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- https://www.csueastbay.edu/financialaid/prospective-students1/cost-of-attendance.html
- https://adminfinance.fresnostate.edu/accountingservices/students/tuitionfees.html
- https://financialaid.sonoma.edu/cost-attendance/2024-25-costs
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-dominguez-hills-1141/applying
- https://csumb.edu/admissions-aid/costs-financial-aid/tuition-fees/
- https://www.csudh.edu/financial-aid/cost/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/csub-7993/applying
- https://www.csub.edu/student-financial/tuition-fees/index.shtml
- https://www.academyart.edu/finances/cost-of-attendance/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/cal-poly-humboldt-1149/applying
- https://www.humboldt.edu/financial-aid/costs/attendance-cost
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/stanford-university-1305/applying
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/azusa-pacific-university-1117/applying#:~:text=Azusa%20Pacific%20University%20has%20an,score%20of%2018%20and%2026.
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-california-merced-4127/applying
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-baptist-university-1125/applying
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