California State University-San Bernardino logo

California State University-San Bernardino

Accept Rate
98.25%
Grad Rate
54.5%
Enrollment
15,771
Tuition
$7,675
Median Salary
$59,977
Overall Grade
B-
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B+
Campus
B-
Aid

The Vibe Check

CSUSB has a vibrant, diverse, and commuter-friendly atmosphere that pulses with Inland Empire energy. Students often describe it as a supportive environment where faculty know your name and classmates form tight-knit study groups. It feels like a campus where practical ambition meets community spirit.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

98.25%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Apply early in the fall and ensure you meet all CSU eligibility requirements, as CSUSB uses a comprehensive review process. Highlight leadership and community involvement in your application, especially service relevant to the Inland Empire. If youโ€™re a local student, consider the San Bernardino Promise program for guaranteed admission and support.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university excels in practical, career-focused fields like Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, and Health Professions, with strong programs in Psychology and Computer Science. Classes are taught by accessible professors who emphasize real-world application, and undergraduates have opportunities to collaborate on research through faculty mentorships and campus centers.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
17.9%
Psychology
13.2%
Social Sciences
10.2%
Criminal Justice
7.5%
Health Professions
7.1%
Computer Science
6.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.9%
Family & Consumer Science
3.9%
Communications
3.7%
Biology & Biomedical
3.5%
English & Literature
2.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

54.5%
Graduation Rate
77.6%
Retention Rate
15,771
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$7,675
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$5,918
After financial aid
Total Cost
$16,910
Cost of attendance/year
57.1%
Receive Pell Grants
23.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Bernardino

Students enjoy outdoor adventures nearby, including day trips to Big Bear Lake and hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains. The city offers local eateries, the historic California Theatre, and easy access to Southern California cultural hubs via the Metrolink train. Many students also participate in campus events, clubs, and NCAA athletics for weekend fun.

Local Rent Check

$1,611 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Bernardino
Explore San Bernardino

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$30,700
$0Est. 4 Years: $30,700

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,977):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The San Bernardino campus features standard university safety measures like blue-light systems and campus patrols. As with any urban area, students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially off campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Very affordable in-state tuition and generous financial aid
  • โœ“ Strong career-focused programs in business, criminal justice, and health
  • โœ“ Diverse, supportive campus community with accessible faculty
  • โœ“ Location provides access to regional employers and outdoor recreation

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate is below the national average at 54.5%
  • โœ— Urban setting may require commuting and off-campus safety awareness
  • โœ— Limited national name recognition compared to some UC schools

Notable Alumni

James T. O'Neal
Retired Major General in the U.S. Air Force and former Director of the Air National Guard
Cathy L. Anderson
Former Chief Information Officer for the State of California
John T. Webster
Senior executive and alumnus recognized for leadership in regional business and public service

Frequently Asked Questions

CSUSB is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Health Professions. The university emphasizes practical learning, community engagement, and career readiness, with a diverse student body and regional employer connections across Southern California.

No, CSUSB has a 98.25% acceptance rate, making it generally accessible to applicants who meet CSU eligibility. Admission is based on completing required high school coursework and GPA, with comprehensive review considering factors like extracurriculars and life experience.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with many commuter students balanced by vibrant clubs, events, and NCAA Division II athletics. Students often cite supportive faculty and a collaborative academic environment, plus easy access to outdoor recreation and the broader Southern California region.

Yes, especially for in-state students: the average net price is $5,918 and the 10-year median earnings are $59,977, indicating strong return on investment. The combination of affordable tuition, robust financial aid, and career-focused majors makes it a practical choice for many.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County Amazon Southern California Edison Loma Linda University Health
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 18,777
  • In-State Tuition $7,675
  • Out-of-State $19,555
  • Zip Code 92407

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.8% โ™€ 61.2%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $5,918 and in-state tuition under $8,000, CSUSB offers a high-value education, especially for California residents. The 10-year median earnings of $59,977 and strong Pell Grant support (57.1%) indicate solid ROI for graduates. Out-of-state students should weigh the higher costs against potential earnings and in-state alternatives.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $7,675
Housing (12 mo) $19,332
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,207
With avg financial aid:
$5,918/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.