Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Carson, California
91.3% Acceptance Rate
California State University-Dominguez Hills — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
91.3%Acceptance Rate
3.16Avg GPA
$15,449Annual Cost
$57,162Grad Salary
61%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
91.3%
Avg GPA
3.16
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$3,659
Need-Based Aid
61% receive Pell
California State University-Dominguez Hills (CA) is a diverse, metropolitan university focused on student success and community impact. Admissions evaluate academic preparation and readiness for a dynamic, urban university environment. Applicants who can articulate their educational and career goals clearly are given careful attention.
California State University-Dominguez Hills Acceptance Rate
California State University-Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 91.3%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 91.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.16 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.96 – 3.15
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.71
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
CSUDH GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CSUDH is 3.16. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.36-3.56 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.86 and 3.16, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
CSUDH GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CSUDH utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.16, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.16 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.96 – 3.15
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.76 – 2.95
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.75
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Test-blind admission system-wide (CSU policy); no personal essay or letters of recommendation required for undergraduate admission; GPA minimums of 2.5 (CA residents) / 3.0 (non-residents) cited across sources
- Local-admission-area preference gives substantial priority to nearby community college transfers, with El Camino College and Los Angeles Harbor College specifically cited as receiving strong priority
- Three distinct nursing pathways exist: standard RN-BSN admission, the RN-BSN Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP, dual-enrollment with specific partner ADN programs), and the BSN Summer Fast Track (does not grant CSUDH admission at all - summer-only coursework via Continuing Education)
- RN-BSN does not require an active RN license to begin, only before the Community-Based Role Performance clinical course later in the sequence; program admits twice yearly (Fall: Oct. 1-Nov. 30; Spring: Aug. 1-Nov. 1)
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at CSUDH
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on California State University-Dominguez Hills's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
California State University-Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into CSUDH Without SAT or ACT?
California State University-Dominguez Hills 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. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CSUDH
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
CSUDH provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Don't anchor on a single acceptance-rate figure - cited numbers for CSUDH range from the low-50s to the mid-90s depending on source and methodology
Acceptance rate figures for CSUDH vary dramatically across reporting sources (53%, 59%, 77%, 91%, 93% have all been cited), reflecting differences in how each source defines and calculates the rate rather than year-to-year swings alone. A family should treat the CSU system's own published GPA-based admission criteria (system-wide test-blind policy, no essay or letters of recommendation required) as the reliable planning tool, rather than quoting any single third-party acceptance percentage as fact.
For nursing, use the RN-BSN Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) if transferring from a CSUDH-partnered ADN program - it lets BSN coursework start before the associate degree is finished
CSUDH's School of Nursing has formal CEP agreements with specific community college ADN programs that let eligible students begin BSN coursework at CSUDH while still completing their associate degree - distinct from both the standard RN-BSN admission process and the separate, non-admitting BSN Summer Fast Track (which doesn't grant CSUDH admission at all, just summer-term coursework). A student should confirm which of these three distinct nursing pathways (standard RN-BSN, CEP, or Summer Fast Track) actually applies to their ADN program and goals, since they have different admission statuses and outcomes.
Leverage CSUDH's strong local-admission-area preference if attending a nearby community college, especially El Camino or LA Harbor
As with all CSU campuses, CSUDH gives priority during the transfer admissions process to students from its designated local service area - and students coming from immediate South Bay/LA-area community colleges (El Camino College, Los Angeles Harbor College are specifically cited) receive substantial admission priority. A student already enrolled at one of these nearby feeder colleges with CSUDH as a target should factor this local-preference advantage into their transfer planning rather than assuming a generic CSU application carries the same weight regardless of which community college they attended.
For RN-BSN applicants without a license yet, confirm the specific point at which licensure becomes required - it's not at admission
CSUDH's RN-BSN program does not require an active RN license to begin the program, but licensure must be active, unencumbered, and unrestricted before the student can register for the Community-Based Role Performance/clinical course later in the sequence - a meaningfully different timing than some peer programs that require licensure upfront. A student who hasn't yet passed the NCLEX should confirm with the School of Nursing exactly which semester licensure becomes a hard requirement, rather than assuming it's needed at initial application.
Expert Insight:
A common and costly confusion among CSUDH-bound nursing students is conflating the three distinct nursing-transfer pathways (standard RN-BSN admission, the CEP dual-enrollment partnership, and the non-admitting BSN Summer Fast Track) - each has different admission status, eligibility, and outcomes, and assuming one covers what another actually does can derail a carefully built academic plan. Confirm directly with CSUDH's School of Nursing which specific pathway applies before building course sequencing around any single program name.
CSUDH Profile
Full Name
California State University-Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
City
Carson
State
California
ZIP Code
90747-0005
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a CSUDH Degree Worth It?
Getting into CSUDH can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CSUDH offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CSUDH is $54,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.57%.
How much does a degree from CSUDH Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California State University-Dominguez Hills is $15,449. 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-Dominguez Hills is $3,659.
61% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 19.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSUDH and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California State University-Dominguez Hills, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSUDH as your choice in the form.
How much does a CSUDH Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $57,162. An average CSUDH 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 $40,595.
Degree Programs at CSUDH
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by California State University-Dominguez Hills →
Frequently Asked Questions About CSUDH Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $57,162 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,449 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
61.0% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of California State University-Dominguez Hills is 91.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.16. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.86, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.86, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.76 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.16, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.