California State University-Channel Islands is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of California State University-Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands) is 89.65%. This means that 90 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is California State University-Channel Islands Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as CSU Channel Islands is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
California State University-Channel Islands Admission Requirements
CSU Channel Islands GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at CSU Channel Islands is 3.22. It means that CSU Channel Islands is selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.22, CSU Channel Islands requires you to be above average in your class. You need to score more A's than B's in your classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.22 and higher than 2.92 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 2.82 GPA, to secure admission at CSU Channel Islands. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into CSU Channel Islands Without SAT Or ACT?: California State University-Channel Islands does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
California State University-Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
CSU Channel Islands Profile
Name: California State University-Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from CSU Channel Islands Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California State University-Channel Islands is USD: 23676. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California State University-Channel Islands is USD: 12887
How can I get a scholarship?
48.25% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.54 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSU Channel Islands and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California State University-Channel Islands, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSU Channel Islands as your choice in the form.
How much a CSU Channel Islands Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the CSU Channel Islands graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 62152. An average CSU Channel Islands graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English Language and Literature, General
Full list of All degree programs offered by California State University-Channel Islands.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.