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Sacramento , CA
California State University, Sacramento, also known as Sac State, is a public university located in the heart of California's capital, Sacramento. Established in 1947, Sac State is part of the larger California State University system, which is renowned for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. With over 31,000 students enrolled, Sac State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, providing students with ample opportunities for intellectual growth and career development.
One of the main strengths of Sac State is its emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. The university has strong ties with the local community, allowing students to gain real-world experience through internships, service-learning projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Additionally, Sac State offers an array of resources to support student success, such as tutoring services, career counseling, and research opportunities. The campus also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and the innovative Student Recreation Center.
Sac State prides itself on its diverse and inclusive campus community. With students from all backgrounds and cultures, the university fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages dialogue and understanding. The university also offers numerous student organizations and extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and pursue their interests outside the classroom. Whether it's joining a club, participating in a sports team, or attending one of the many cultural events on campus, students at Sac State can find a sense of belonging and a vibrant campus life.
Overall, California State University, Sacramento provides a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement. The university's commitment to student success, diverse campus community, and ample resources make it an ideal choice for students seeking a high-quality education in the vibrant city of Sacramento. Sac State equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in their chosen fields and become successful global citizens.
California State University, Sacramento is a public university located in Sacramento, CA and set in an urban environment. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 93%. The freshman retention rate at California State University, Sacramento is 81.1% and the six-year graduation rate is 56%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is May 1. The transfer application deadline is May 1.
To find out more about what California State University, Sacramento has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
28,226
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
23:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
56%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Discovering as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission increases your chances of getting admitted. How difficult is it to get admitted to California State University, Sacramento and what are the admission requirements?
In 2025, the school accepted 26,036 new students. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 1% and ACT scores 1%. The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.41. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into California State University, Sacramento.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by May 1. When filling out the application as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is May 1.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
The freshman retention rate for California State University, Sacramento was 81.1% in 2025, indicative of the exceptional educational experience and supportive environment at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this institution stands at 56%.
Student Body
Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at California State University, Sacramento in 2025 was 30,883.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 1% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 28,226, 863 of which were international students. The number of transfer students at this school was 4,254.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 10,457 male and 13,605 female full-time students in 2025. This school had 454 full-time graduate male and 1,136 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. A diverse student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 5,811, and the number of Afro-American students was 1,905. 10,329 undergrads at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 1,732 identified with more than one race. The school also had 264 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 91 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 594 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you send an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about California State University, Sacramento estimated tuition fees.
For local residents, public county and municipal institutions reported that tuition costs were $6,084. Tuition fees were $18,684 for students coming from out of state. Tuition costs at California State University, Sacramento for international students came to $18,684. Fees per academic year required of full-time students came to a total of $1,934 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $18,684 | $1,934 | $20,618 |
| In-State | $6,084 | $1,934 | $8,018 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The estimated price of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,160.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
At California State University, Sacramento, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $18,756. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2025 was $12,730 for one academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 6,084 |
| Room and Board | $ 18,756 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,160 |
| Total Expense | $ 26,000 |
Financial Aid
Obtaining some financial help in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be vital for completing your studies. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid students could get at California State University, Sacramento.
According to the most recent data, 2,934 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $15,738.81 in financial help.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
15,588 students were awarded some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at California State University, Sacramento isn't available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 16,268. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $90,759,578, and state $127,086,813. The students of California State University, Sacramento received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $40,948,447, and external in the amount of $8,750.
$3,606
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
2,563 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based financial aid at this institution in 2025. 998 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $90,759,578 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $69,684. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $3,717,380. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $2,685,711 USD.
Majors
Faculty
23:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at California State University, Sacramento was 23:1: that means 23 students per one teacher. The faculty of this school consists of 1,760 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 810 male and 945 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at California State University, Sacramento.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at California State University, Sacramento is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some information about students' life at California State University, Sacramento.
It has a campus size of 300 acres.
Student Organizations
Engaging with a variety of student organizations can enrich your educational experience and make it more rewarding.
This number includes sororities and fraternities. Those interested in music can join the California State University, Sacramento band or chorus. For those interested in acting, there is a drama club you can become part of. For students interested in media and communication, California State University, Sacramento publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
California State University, Sacramento provides a number of services vital for a pleasant and secure life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. The school's dormitory entrances are operated electronically. There is a security patrol available 24/7. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of California State University, Sacramento.
All in all, campus life at California State University, Sacramento is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at California State University, Sacramento.
Career Counselling
There are a job bank and job fairs. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students.
FAQ
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California State University, Sacramento is located in Sacramento, CA.
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California State University, Sacramento doesn't offer need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for California State University, Sacramento is 93%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for California State University, Sacramento is 81.1%.
Contact Information
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento , CA
95819
916 278-6011
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.