Transferring to the CSU System: What You Need to Know
Are you thinking about starting your college journey at a California Community College (CCC) and transferring to a California State University (CSU) campus? Did you know each year, nearly 50,000 students transfer to one of the 23 CSU campuses—and 92% of those students come from the CCC system?
So, if you're a current or future community college student, here’s what you need to know to successfully transfer and earn your bachelor’s degree from the CSU system.
Why Start at a CCC?
Starting at a California Community College can be a smart choice for students both financially and academically. Over two-thirds of CSU bachelor's degree recipients began their journey at a CCC.
And guess what? Students who transfer from CCCs perform just as well as students who started at the CSU straight out of high school. With the right planning and support, this could also be YOU.
Plan Early, Transfer Smoothly
The key to a successful transfer is early planning. You’ll want to:
Take the right general education (GE) courses
Complete major-specific course preparation
Meet the admission requirements on time
Work with your CCC transfer counselor to build a plan from day one. Tools like ASSIST.org can help you check which courses transfer and how they meet CSU requirements.
What Is the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)?
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program is the fastest, most streamlined path from a CCC to a CSU. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T degree get:
Guaranteed admission to a CSU (not a specific campus)
Priority consideration for impacted majors
A clear path to graduate in 60 more CSU units
To qualify, students need to complete:
60 transferable semester units
GE requirements (either CSU GE Breadth or IGETC)
At least 18 units in their major
What Are the CSU Transfer Requirements?
If you’re planning to apply as an upper-division transfer student (most common), here’s what you’ll need:
✅ At least 60 transferable semester units
✅ A minimum 2.0 GPA (some campuses/majors require higher)
✅ Completion of the “Golden Four” courses with a C- or better:
A1: Oral Communication
A2: Written Communication
A3: Critical Thinking
B4: Math/Quantitative Reasoning
Lower-division transfers (under 60 units) have additional requirements.
Which GE Pattern Should I Choose?
You have two main options for general education:
🟡 CSU GE-Breadth
Great for students who plan to stay within the CSU system.
🔵 IGETC
Best if you’re still deciding between a CSU and UC campus.
(Note: Some majors like Nursing or Engineering may require a different path—always check with your advisor.)
Also note: Starting Fall 2025, Cal-GETC will be the new GE pattern for students intending to apply to both CSU and UC campuses.
What Is the Transfer Success Pathway?
The CSU Transfer Success Pathway is a special dual admission program for students who:
Weren’t eligible for CSU admission after high school
Chose to start at a CCC for personal or financial reasons
It offers guaranteed CSU admission within 3 years if you sign an agreement with one CSU campus. Learn more here: Transfer Success Pathway
Important Tips for a Smooth Transfer
🎓 Meet with a CCC Transfer Counselor early and often
🗓️ Apply on time – CSU applications for fall filling open on October 1
📝 Request certification of your GE courses before transferring
📄 Send transcripts from all colleges you attended
💰 Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA or California Dream Act
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking to save on tuition, explore your academic interests, or simply take things step by step, transferring from a California Community College to a CSU is a great pathway to a bachelor’s degree.
Start planning now and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At College Bird, we guide students and families through the entire transfer process, from choosing the right courses to navigating CSU applications.
