Founded in 1947, California State University-Sacramento. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 27,951 full time undergraduate students, and 2,559 full time graduate students.
The California State University-Sacramento Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 27:1. There are 725 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at California State University-Sacramento include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
71%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
55
SAT Range
830-1050
ACT Range
17-22
Admissions at CSUS are considered Selective, with ,153% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at California State University-Sacramento.
264 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
304 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
496 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
524 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
523 Students rated class size 3.7 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
521 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
519 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
524 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
California State University-Sacramento REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of California State University-Sacramento?
125 Students rated California State University-Sacramento
Nour
Prospective04/04/2025
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Lizzy
Prospective04/03/2025
The college I have chosen to attend is Sacramento State, primarily because it offers both a strong academic program, and an opportunity to stay close to home. Also as someone who wants to pursue my career in health care their accredited nursing program struck my interest. Another highlight of attending Sacramento State is the cost, their tuition is highly affordable. They provide lots of scholarship and aid opportunities, making it easier to pay off debt.
Kailynn
California state university is a pretty cool looking building with enough residences for students to live in if they want to live in a dorm or etc. The food served at Sac State is a variety and they provided a healthy balance of foods to eat during dining times. The activities are fun and look like they give you very good exercise and the people at Sac State are very friendly and open to meeting other people.
Jelly
There are plenty of supportive and helpful measures taken into account to ensure students are set up to be successful. It's also very affordable and includes plenty of financial aid, which is extremely important to many people. While there may be people who think this school is not as good as its not a UC, it still has many good things about it, with kind and caring professors, a great walkable city, lots of local nature areas, good majors, a supportive and active greek life and clubs.
Ali
As a student attending California State University-Sacramento, I can't help but express my enthusiasm for this fantastic institution. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I felt a sense of belonging and community that has only grown stronger with each passing semester.
One of the things I love most about CSU Sacramento is its dedication to providing a diverse and inclusive environment. The campus is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds, which enriches every aspect of student life. Whether it's through attending multicultural events, joining student organizations, or simply striking up conversations with fellow classmates, I've had countless opportunities to broaden my perspectives and learn from others.
Academically, CSU Sacramento truly shines. The faculty here are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to their students' success. They're approachable, supportive, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure we understand the material. Plus, with a wide range of majors and programs available, there's something for everyone here, no matter what your interests or career goals may be.
Beyond the classroom, CSU Sacramento offers countless resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether it's internships, research opportunities, or study abroad programs, the university encourages us to explore our passions and gain real-world experience that will benefit us long after graduation.
And let's not forget about the campus itself – it's absolutely beautiful! From the lush greenery to the state-of-the-art facilities, every corner of CSU Sacramento is designed to inspire and empower students to excel.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with my decision to attend California State University-Sacramento. It's more than just a school – it's a vibrant community where I've been able to grow academically, personally, and professionally. Go Hornets!
Rhayne
I can't say that I hate being a student at California State University-Sacramento, but I can say that I get major FOMO (fear of missing out) when I think about the other colleges I could have gone to. I wanted to major in film and go to an art school. I applied to my dream schools and got accepted to all of them, but I didn't have the money to go. So, I settled for Sacramento State and applied as graphic design major because I thought it would be more practical. I don't regret doing so, as I genuinely believe that I can make a successful career once I graduate and get my degree. So far, the professors I've had have been pretty great. But, I've heard horror stories from my roommates and friends pursuing other majors. Speaking of roommates, the dorms here are really hit or miss. During my freshman year, I was living in the oldest resident hall on campus. Everyone says the rooms are reminiscent of prison cells. Plus, the laundry room only has 3-4 washers and dryers on a good day. Blessedly, there are no rats in the residence halls, but there are rats on campus. That's why they have industry plant campus cats to keep down the mouse population. Still, the newest and most up-to-date residence hall had an ant infestation. If that's how bad the newest hall is, I shudder to think about how bad the other halls could get. My last but certainly not least qualm with Sac State is that we used to be able to get a lot of use out of our meal cards with their old point system. But when I returned for my sophomore term last year, they completely jacked the system and upped the prices so now most students hardly feel like we're getting our money's worth. During my freshman year, the American River Courtyard Market was always full of people swiping their meal cards for basic, convenient groceries. During my sophomore year, that same market was like a ghost town because nobody could afford to be in there. All in all, I don't hate my experience at California State University-Sacramento, but only because of the individual people I've met while learning and living there. However, the institution as a whole could stand to listen to us a lot more. Then, it could be a dream school. Right now, it's teetering on nightmare.
Cosmo
CSU Sacramento is a great school. Semesters are very affordable, and you get quality education. Life on campus is amazing. The nature is beautiful with plenty of plants and wildlife. There is plenty to do as far as extracurricular activities and clubs. Plenty to do and plenty to get involved in.
Donnya
I personally really enjoy Sacramento State, although I am a recent transfer student I have seen nothing but good things. Usually after class me and my group of classmates gather around to go study today's lesson on the quad (general area where students hang) and it makes me feel like I'm in a safe environment with people who care about my success which is very important for your college self esteem!
Monserrat
Extremely diverse campus, including students, staff, and faculty. Great representation of the struggles first-gen, low-income students encounter. Amazing resources to help students, including first year experience classes, accessible academic and career advising as students and graduates, free counseling, and amazing opportunities for growth. Everybody around is just extremely supportive.
Azayradema
Overall, my college experience was awesome. I was able to successfully achieve my bachelors degree at this amazing campus! I was able to experience living in Northern California and met so many students of different diversity. I am so grateful to have attended this campus because the student and campus life felt very welcoming. If I ever needed help it was easily accessible and there was always opportunities. The campus is beautiful and a nice environment to be around.
Cara
In my opinion, I agree Sacramento State University is a great College that accepts any race, ethnicity, & color no matter what or who they are based on appearance or personality. I also like that Sacramento State is a big community of 22,000+ students and is a public college.
Ethan
I cannot stress this enough, this university desperately needs to have more extracurricular clubs in which to join. As of writing, the only things available are a handful of sports and fraternities. That's it! I would like to be more involved with the students here but it is impossible to know what others are interested in as there are barely any clubs and most people just spend all day on their phones with their ears plugged one way or another.
As for the academic side of things, it could stand to be a lot better. Most of the time, being in class consists of a professor reading off of a powerpoint while everyone just stares ahead in dead silence. The material is at least mostly accurate but the environment begs to be more engaging. Overall this university did not deliver on the college experience that one would expect after being charged a lot of money just to apply, and hopefully after graduating life will be a lot less disappointing. Hopefully.
Xavier
The campus at Sac State is a very relaxed in environment, and can be scenic. The professors in the sociology department are so helpful and provide you with multiple outlets to better your skills as a writer and in research. The facilities are also great like the student well which is a great place for outside of class communication. Especially with classes being online and on zoom the well has been a way to utilize campus facilities when all classes have not been online. Overall the faculty is helpful and does their best to reach back to in a timely manner. Aside from that the financial aid office was alway quick with getting to my problems and made the whole process easier. Though there are parking problems this campus is relaxing and calm in nature.
DESTINY
I enjoy the surroundings very much, but it is mainly a commuter campus. Many are there to come and go, including myself. There are lots of food options, but some of the quality isn't there. I am not quite familiar with the housing facilities, but from what I have heard, it doesn't seem too bad.
Leanna
It is a welcoming school that is very diverse in people and culture. They have many clubs that pertain to these cultures and even events to leave about different cultures as well. When it comes to the professors they are very understanding and almost always ready to help, if not then they have regular office hours. It is a very great university for those things but there are many other reasons too.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for California State University-Sacramento is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
The most valuable college experience I got out of attending Sacramento State was the process of growing up into my own woman and realizing which career was most suited for my personality. I went through three majors - Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Health Science until I discovered my passion, which is Social Work and I would love to thank the school for that. The school has a richness of discourse communities and it's been fun to jump around and see how people are both different and similar regarding their career paths. Sacramento State is located in the capitol and it's been great to see such political activity and care for the community we love here. I thought attending this school would not help me become more academically inclined, but it has by pushing my limits and showing me that I can be good in any field I try.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
I would have to say the worst thing is the amount of classes that are being offered. With the current economic state our campus has been forced to drop classes so it has become very difficult to enroll in the classes that you need to graduate on time.
I do not think there should be a specific kind of person to attend this school. I think that as long as a student tries his or her best to engage in activities provided by the campus that are prevalent to their interests, then he or she will get the most out of their college experience. In other words, any kind of person can attend this school.
And CSUS there is something for everyone, it doesnt matter what you are interested in there is a class or a club for you. And if you can't find what you're looking for they encourage you to make an organization for yourself and your peers. The professors are challenging but fair and are willing to help if you seek it. The campus is not only up to date and modern but it is also breathtakingly beautiful. A wonderful place to attend school.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I would have loved to have known to get my parking pass the week before school. I would also have liked to have known exactly what classes I needed to gradute.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
I believe that any kind of person should attend this school. As a student from CSU Sacramento, it is understandable that some people may be tired of education or not care about it much, but this school has professors, student activities, clubs and programs that will give those people an opportunity to learn something about themselves. It has been an given opportunity for a poor Southeast Asian woman like me to build more confidence in myself and to learn about my fellow peers. So any one should attend this school!
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
Personally, this school is close to my house so I save a lot of money from having to drive out to UC Davis, where I used to go before. Since everyone likes to save money, they're somewhat envious that I get to live at home and go to a college that is so close. I'm also proud as to what goes on our campus. We're always involved in different projects and have guest speakers come from all different types of backgrounds.
Sacramento State is best known for it's beautiful scenery, diverse student population, good personal class experiences, the WELL, and career opportunities available after graduation within the city of Sacramento.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
Sac. State or "slack state" is known as just a bigger school that people drive to school for and then drive home. There is no school pride, and the majority of students could care less about what athletic team is playing. Also, the fraternity guys are viewed as stupid, cocky, and immature.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
Absolutely not. Sac State is a very competitive campus and its education level is not than then other universities. I have competed and won against students from UCs.
The best thing about Sac State is the tuition. We can not get better education or the same for cheaper. One of the changes that I would like to see change in sac state is commuting. I would like sac state to become a college town. There is not enough interaction between students because the majority are commuters. One the experiences i will always remember will be working and giving parking citations.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
I am a proud brother of Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity incorporated. I love my fraternity and my brothers to me they are my college life. We have three principles which are academic excellence, community service, and the maintenance of the Latino Culture through brotherhood. To me Fraternities are very important because they help students like me who move Sacramento to attend Sac State and dont know anybody. I can honestly say I would not be the leader I am now without being a member of Gamma Zeta Alpha.
One of the best courses I have taken in sac state is Ethnic Studies 11 with professor Sobredo. This professor made the class fun, exciting and taught very well. I believe that some of the professors lack the use of conversations and discussions in class. Most of the them lecture for too long and make the class boring and not interesting. I believe that students do not have intellectual conversations outside of the class. Most of the time I just hear them make comments such as " C's get you degrees". I believe that Sac State can gear a person to getting a job, its up to the individual if they take advantage of it or not.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
82% of students attending California State University-Sacramento receive some sort of financial aid.
54% were awarded federal grants.35%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.