California State University - East Bay

Overview

California State University – East Bay (CSU East Bay) is a reputable public university and is situated in one of the most diverse, innovative and globally connected regions, namely the San Francisco Bay Area, in the United States.

For students planning to study in the USA, CSU East Bay offers an accessible pathway to high-quality education across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

As one of the 22 campuses in the California State University system, CSU East Bay is known for its inclusive learning environment and focus on real-world skills. Known for its welcoming environment and practical, career-focused teaching model, the university attracts students from more than 60 countries each year.

Whether you’re interested in business, computer science, engineering, health sciences, or education, the university supports a wide variety of academic pathways, making it one of the appealing top universities to study in the USA.

Highlights

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Total International Students: 800+ (from 60+ countries)

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

Placement Percentage: 95%

California State University - East Bay Rankings

When exploring universities for a Bachelor’s in the USA or planning to pursue a Master’s, the global standing of an institution becomes an important part of your decision-making process.

Many ranking organizations consistently place the university among the leading regional institutions in the western United States, particularly for fields like business, computer science, healthcare, and education.

Here are the updated California State University – East Bay rankings across various agencies:

Ranking Agency	Rank
U.S. News & World Report	257 in National Universities 145 in Top Public Schools
QS World University	201 – 250 in US UNI (Universities)

California State University - East Bay Intakes

When planning to apply for undergraduate programs or exploring postgraduate programs at California State University – East Bay, understanding the available intakes helps you choose the right timeline.

The university provides multiple entry points throughout the year, making it easier for students, especially those pursuing a Master’s in the USA, to align their application with academic or personal schedules.

Fall Intake: The Fall semester is the largest and most popular intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Most programs, campus activities, and scholarship opportunities open during this cycle, making it the ideal choice for students starting undergraduate programs at California State University – East Bay or beginning a postgraduate program.
Spring Intake: Spring admission offers another opportunity for students who may have missed the Fall deadlines. Many postgraduate programs at CSU East Bay remain open during this intake, and students can still join ongoing academic projects, campus life, and internships in the Bay Area.
Summer Intake: The Summer intake is available for a smaller selection of courses and is often chosen by students looking to begin their studies earlier or lighten their future course load. While not all undergraduate or graduate programs participate, it can be a great option for those who prefer a more flexible academic start.

Tip: For the most accurate timelines, students are encouraged to check California State University – East Bay application deadlines early, as dates can vary by program and intake.

California State University - East Bay Courses

CSU East Bay offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to meet global industry needs.

International students exploring popular programs at California State University – East Bay will find flexible learning options and career-aligned majors.

Some of the top courses at California State University – East Bay are as follows:

Program	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
MS in Accountancy	17 Months	$24,915
MS in Biological Science	2 Years	$31,000
MS in Construction Management	2 Years	$33,000
MS in Curriculum and Instruction	2 Years	$31,000
MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Concentration	2 Years	$33,000
MS in Marketing Analytics	2 Years	$31,000
MS in Statistics	2 Years	$33,000

Cost of Studying at California State University - East Bay

To compare the cost of education in the USA, the international students will need a clear image of a total cost in CSU East Bay. The university is regarded to be affordable, particularly against most other institutions in California.

When planning your budget, it’s important to consider not only the tuition fees at California State University – East Bay but also housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.

The estimated cost of studying at California State University – East Bay are as follows:

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
UG Tuition Fees	$17,000 – $18,000/year
PG Tuition Fees	$14,500 – $18,000/year
Accommodation	$12,000 – $18,000/year
Food	$250 – $400/month
Travel	$80 – $150/month
General Expenses	$150 – $250/month

California State University - East Bay Scholarships

For many international students, understanding available funding options plays a major role in planning a scholarship to study in the USA.

The university provides a combination of institutional awards, departmental grants, and competitive CSU East Bay merit-based scholarships.

In addition to scholarships, the university also offers various forms of financial aid at California State University – East Bay, including assistantships and external funding sources.

Some of the top scholarships at California State University – East Bay for international students are as follows:

Scholarship	Value	Details
Global Excellence Scholarships	$14,000	Awarded to international students pursuing UG degree at university
Global Honors Scholarships	$2,800+	Awarded to international students pursuing UG degree at university
Cal State East Bay Pioneer Scholarships	$300 to $3,000	Awarded to international students pursuing degree at university

California State University - East Bay Admission

Understanding the eligibility to study at California State University – East Bay is an important first step for international applicants planning their academic journey.

A key part of the admission process is demonstrating English proficiency for California State University – East Bay, which ensures students can fully participate in lectures, discussions, and coursework.

Once you meet the entry criteria, the next stage involves understanding how to apply to California State University – East Bay. Applicants typically submit an online application, pay the processing fee, and upload documents.

The admission requirements for California State University – East Bay are as follows:

Masters

Admission Requirements:

To get admission to Master’s program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 80
IELTS – 6.5
PTE – 58

Additional Requirements:

You will also be needed to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume or CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Bachelors

Admission Requirements:

For admission to Bachelor’s program, students are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent with minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 61
IELTS – 6.0
PTE – 44

Additional Requirements:

You will also be needed to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume or CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Accommodation at California State University - East Bay

Finding the right place to live is a key part of shaping a fulfilling campus experience, and the vibrant student life at California State University – East Bay offers plenty of supportive options.

The housing at California State University – East Bay includes modern residence halls, community spaces, and convenient amenities. These resources help students feel at home while balancing academics, social activities, and personal well-being.

On-Campus: CSU East Bay’s on-campus accommodation provides fully furnished rooms, meal plans, study spaces, and easy access to classrooms and student services. It is a good option among first-year foreign students who desire a hassle-free integration and a full campus life.
Off-Campus: Students who prefer independence often choose off-campus apartments or shared rentals in Hayward and nearby cities. These options offer flexibility in lifestyle and budget, along with opportunities to explore local culture and enjoy the broader Bay Area community.

California State University - East Bay Placements

For students planning their professional journey, understanding the California State University – East Bay placement rate is an important part of evaluating long-term opportunities.

A major advantage for students is the dedicated career support at California State University – East Bay, which includes resume workshops, interview coaching, internship fairs, and networking events.

Students also benefit from the extensive alumni network at California State University – East Bay, which spans thousands of professionals working in influential organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area and globally.

Some of the top recruiters at California State University – East Bay are as follows:

Amazon
Kaiser Permanente
Tesla
Apple
Oracle
Google
Genentech
Ernst & Young (EY)
Fremont Unified School District
Bank of America

Student Essential Services

Adjusting to a new academic environment becomes much easier with strong guidance, and the dedicated international student support at California State University – East Bay ensures that students feel welcomed from the moment they arrive.

For those planning to study in the United States, understanding and maintaining your USA student visa requirements is also an important part of the journey.

International Advising: The university offers dedicated support to help international students with immigration guidance, paperwork, and maintaining their USA student visa status.
Academic Support: Students can access tutoring centers, writing labs, and mentoring services to strengthen their academic performance.
Health & Wellness: On-campus health services and counseling resources ensure students receive medical care and mental well-being support when needed.
Student Organizations: A wide range of cultural, academic, and recreational clubs helps students build community and engage in campus life.

Location of California State University - East Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the academic calendar like at CSU East Bay?

CSU East Bay follows the semester system, with Fall beginning in August, Spring in January, and Summer sessions in June. Each semester includes 15 weeks of instruction, followed by exams. International students appreciate this structure because it allows clear planning for travel, internships, and visa compliance.

How safe is the CSU East Bay campus and surrounding areas?

The Hayward campus is considered safe, with on-campus police services, emergency call boxes, and regular patrols. The university also offers nighttime safety escorts and alerts to keep students informed. Hayward itself is a suburban city with student-friendly neighborhoods and a strong community atmosphere.

What kind of orientation does CSU East Bay offer international students?

International students must attend the International Student Orientation, which covers visa regulations, campus services, banking options, health insurance, and course registration. It also includes social activities to help students build friendships from day one.

Are internships easy to find in the Bay Area?

The Bay Area is one of the richest regions for internships, especially in tech, business, biotech, education, and healthcare. Companies like Google, Tesla, Kaiser Permanente, and Adobe frequently offer internships, and the university’s career center helps students connect with employers.

What medical facilities are available for students at CSU East Bay?

The Student Health & Counseling Services center provides medical consultations, treatments, prescriptions, vaccinations, and mental health counseling. More serious medical needs can be handled at local hospitals in Hayward and Castro Valley.

How diverse is the CSU East Bay campus?

The university is known nationally for its diversity. Students come from dozens of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, creating an inclusive campus where international students feel comfortable and welcomed.

How easy is it to open a bank account in the U.S.?

Opening a bank account is simple. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are near the campus. Students only need their passport, I-20, proof of address, and visa documents to open a checking or savings account.

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