Cal States and UC’s: How are they different?

The Facts:

Cal States UC’s

How many campuses 23 9

Minimum GPA 2.0 (2.5 realistically) 3.0 (3.4 realistically)

Submit applications on: October 1st November 1st

They close on November 30th November 30th

Application Fee $55 or free with fee waiver (4) $70 or free with fee waiver (4)

Application style Standard: Grades (C’s or better), GPA, A-G, SAT/ACT

Comprehensive: Standard review plus personal statement, Work, extracurricular, leadership roles, volunteer work.

UC

• Designated the State's primary academic research institution.

• Provides undergraduate, graduate and professional education

• UC is given exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education for doctoral degrees and for instruction in law, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

CSU

• Undergraduate education and graduate education through the master's degree including professional and teacher education.

• Faculty research is authorized consistent with the primary function of instruction.

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership and other doctorates can be awarded jointly with UC or an independent institution.

UC

Degrees offered

• B.A./B.S. • M.A./M.S. • Doctorates (Ph.D./Ed.D) • Professional (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary,

Business/Management)

CSU

Degrees offered

• B.A./B.S. • M.A./M.S. • Doctorates (Ph.D./Ed.D)* • Teaching Credentials

*A limited number of CSUs offer these degrees

UC

Main Focus

• Prepare students to advance to graduate and professional educational programs

• Heavy emphasis on developing research skills • Course content mostly theoretical & analytical • Minimal professional training majors (Computer Science,

Engineering, & Nursing, etc.) • Internships and work abroad programs provide students

with practical job training to enhance their academic training.

CSU

Main Focus

• Prepare the majority of students to enter job market after completion of Bachelor’s degree (practical based; Theory and research also included)

• More undergraduate majors with professional training • Prepares about 60 percent of the teachers in the state • Produces 40 percent of the engineering graduates, and more

graduates in business, agriculture, communications, health, education and public administration than all other California universities and colleges combined.

Cost Comparison

UC $13,070 - $14,832

CSU $5,701 - $6,920

SAT/ACT

• 10 Short Sections• Combined score: 600-2400• Writing/English, Math and

Reading

• Has an essay portion• Is acceptable at all schools• Fee Waivers at NHO• Up to December test can

be taken

• 5 Long Sections• Combined score: 1-36• Writing/English, Math,

Reading and Science

• Has an essay portion• Is acceptable at all schools• Fee Waivers at NHO• Up to December test can

be taken