The California State University (CSU) is committed to expanding equitable access to higher education and helping more students see a clear, supported path to earning a CSU degree.  To that end, the Gilroy Unified School District is proud to announce our participation in the CSU Direct Admission program, which allows all 12th grade students, who meet A-G requirements and have a 2.5 GPA or higher, direct admission into seventeen CSUs.  

The Direct Admission program is a key part of that effort—connecting eligible students to CSU opportunities and reducing barriers in the college-going process.

This partnership is in conjunction with the existing SJSU Promise, announced in 2025.
 

What is the CSU Direct Admission Program?

The CSU Direct Admission Program identifies eligible students using academic data and provides early admission opportunities to participating CSU campuses before students apply. Through this program, eligible students may receive notification of admission opportunities from participating CSU campuses and are encouraged to complete the Cal State Apply application and any required enrollment steps to finalize admission.

Why CSU Direct Admission Matters

Many students who are eligible to attend college never apply due to uncertainty, limited access to information or the complexity of the admissions process.

As the nation’s largest four-year public university system, the CSU is committed to expanding equitable access to higher education and supporting college-going opportunities for students across California. CSU Direct Admission helps reduce these barriers by providing students with earlier awareness of college opportunities and a clearer pathway to enrollment.

By proactively connecting eligible students to CSU admission opportunities, the Direct Admission program helps strengthen college-going culture and reinforces the CSU’s commitment to student access and success.

Statewide Expansion Under SB 640

In 2025, California enacted Senate Bill 640 (SB 640), establishing a statewide CSU Direct Admission Program and expanding access to school districts across California. The legislation builds on the CSU’s existing direct admission efforts and supports the university’s broader commitment to increasing college access, reducing barriers and creating clearer pathways to higher education.

The law took effect on January 1, 2026, with full statewide implementation beginning for students applying for fall 2027 admission.

How the program works:

1. Eligible students are identified using academic data provided through participating schools or districts.
2. Students receive admission notifications through a CSU mailer or email.
3. Students complete and submit the Cal State Apply application and any required enrollment steps.

Participating Campuses for Fall 2027

Seventeen CSU campuses are participating in the Direct Admission Program for students applying for fall 2027 admission. **Some majors at participating campuses may have additional admission requirements.**

The following CSU campuses are not participating at this time:  Fullerton, Long Beach, San Diego, San Jose, and San Luis Obispo. Eligible GUSD students can receive direct admission to SJSU through the Gilroy Promise program.