California State University-Channel Islands SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Cal State Channel Islands is highly accessible, with a 94.8% acceptance rate and a 3.22 average GPA. Because it is test-free, SAT/ACT scores will not boost admission here, so focus on meeting CSU eligibility, keeping your grades steady, and building the study habits that will help you persist once enrolled.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University-Channel Islands facts and stats
California State University-Channel Islands enrolls about 5,118 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. Cal State Channel Islands has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 51% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Cal State Channel Islands uses a test-free admissions policy.
Camarillo, CA
How does your GPA compare at Cal State Channel Islands?

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Key California State University-Channel Islands application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
March 2
Early Action
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Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Financial Aid Priority
May 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Cal State Channel Islands is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and do not need to be timed around the March 2 Regular Decision deadline. If you take or retake exams, do so only for other test-using colleges on your list, where retakes and superscoring may still matter.
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What you'll actually pay
Cal State Channel Islands is a public university with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $16,164. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the May 2 priority deadline.

Out-of-state tuition at Cal State Channel Islands is $16,164, compared with $6,084 for in-state students. Room and board adds about $15,490, so housing choices can make a major difference in the final bill. Financial aid can reduce costs depending on a student’s need and eligibility.
Student life at California State University-Channel Islands
23% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
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The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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