California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH): Costs & Guide for International Students

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a public university in Carson, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, founded in 1960. Part of the California State University system, it is one of the most diverse universities in the US and offers programmes in business, nursing, computer science, kinesiology, education, and the social sciences. For international students it offers access to the Los Angeles region at public university costs. This guide covers 2026-27 costs, programmes, and F-1 and OPT rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), a public university in Carson, California, founded in 1960
• Location: South Bay, Los Angeles County, near Long Beach and central Los Angeles
• 2026-27 resident charges (CSUDH): systemwide tuition US$6,838 and campus fees of about US$1,863 a year for undergraduates
• Nonresident tuition: US$471 per semester unit, so 24 units a year add about US$11,304
• Estimated international undergraduate tuition and fees: about US$20,000 a year at 12 units a semester (my calculation from the figures above)
• Other budget items (CSUDH 2026-27): books and supplies about US$1,227; personal about US$2,670
• Known for: business, nursing, computer science, kinesiology, education, and a highly diverse student body

Rankings and reputation

CSUDH appears in US regional rankings and is recognised for social mobility and diversity. It is not highly placed in global research tables. Judge it on programme and cost.

Academics and signature programs

CSUDH offers majors in business administration, accounting, computer science, nursing, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, communications, and education, plus graduate programmes. Many students work while studying, and classes are often scheduled with this in mind. Ask about STEM designation.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission is based on academic records and English. After admission, the university issues an I-20, and you apply for an F-1 visa. Some impacted majors have higher requirements.

English language requirements

• CSU campuses commonly require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61 for undergraduates; check your campus
• Graduate programmes often require higher scores
• Some campuses offer conditional admission with English study
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application goes through Cal State Apply and includes transcripts, English results, passport details, and financial documents for the I-20.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

For 2026-27, CSUDH lists systemwide tuition of US$6,838 and campus fees of about US$1,863 a year for undergraduates. International students also pay US$471 per semester unit, about US$11,304 a year at 12 units a semester, bringing tuition and fees to about US$20,000. Add housing, food, health insurance, books, and transport. Check CSUDH's international office for the official I-20 estimate.

Estimated living costs

• F-1 applicants must show proof of funds covering at least a year of costs
• F-1 rules restrict off-campus work, so plan for little income while studying
• On-campus housing and meal plans offer predictable costs for first-year students
• Health insurance meeting the university's standards is generally required
• Winters can be cold in the northern states, so budget for winter clothing

Scholarships

International students have limited access to need-based aid. Ask CSUDH about campus scholarships open to international students.

Campus life and student support

CSUDH's campus is compact and largely commuter-based, with some on-campus housing and the Dignity Health Sports Park, a major sports stadium, on campus grounds. Los Angeles beaches, ports, and attractions are nearby.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

The Los Angeles region offers jobs in logistics (the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach), health care, entertainment, aerospace, and technology. CSUDH career services support internships. International students need CPT and OPT.

US Optional Practical Training

After completing a US degree, F-1 graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training, which allows up to 12 months of work related to their field, extendable by 24 months for STEM-designated programs. OPT is tied to the degree, so time on a pathway alone does not create post-study work rights. Confirm your program's STEM status with the international office, and check current rules with the US government.

How CSU tuition works for international students

California State University campuses charge systemwide tuition (US$6,838 a year for undergraduates in 2026-27) plus campus fees, and international and other nonresident students pay an extra US$471 per semester unit. A full-time undergraduate taking 12 units each semester pays about US$11,304 a year in nonresident tuition on top of resident charges, so total tuition and fees are usually about US$19,000 to US$25,000 a year depending on the campus and units taken. This makes CSU campuses among the more affordable public options for international students in the US.

Living in the South Bay

Carson is a residential area between Long Beach and central Los Angeles. Rents are high, and public transport is limited, so many students use a car or live near campus. Beaches and the ports are close.

Nursing and health

CSUDH offers nursing and health programmes, including a well-known online and on-campus nursing offering. Nursing in the US usually requires state licensure and appropriate immigration status for employment. Ask about places for international students.

Visa and arrival steps

After admission, CSUDH issues an I-20. You pay the SEVIS fee, book an F-1 visa interview, and arrive before orientation with financial documents.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students on F-1 visas are generally required to carry health insurance meeting the university's standards. Budget for the SEVIS I-901 fee, the visa fee, and flights, and prepare for a visa interview, whose waiting times vary by country.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, English placement where needed, and learning how US classes work, with regular assignments and participation. Students who use tutoring and advising early tend to reach progression targets more comfortably.

A realistic budget

At about US$20,000 in tuition and fees plus US$18,000 to US$22,000 for housing, food, insurance, and transport, a year could cost about US$38,000 to US$42,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the full cost of attendance for international students?
• Is my major impacted?
• Is my major STEM-designated?
• What housing is available?
• How do internships and CPT work?
• What scholarships can international students receive?

Who CSUDH suits best

CSUDH suits students who want an affordable public university in Los Angeles with a diverse, practical environment. It may suit less well students who want a traditional residential campus.

CSUDH compared with other Los Angeles CSU campuses

Cal State Long Beach, Northridge, and Los Angeles are larger and more selective in some majors. CSUDH offers smaller classes and lower competition for admission. Compare programme, location, and cost.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay any deposit, and receive your I-20.
5. Apply for your F-1 visa and prepare for the interview.
6. Arrange travel and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Order certified transcripts and translations, arrange financial documents, and check that your passport is valid for the whole study period. Keep written confirmation of program costs, scholarships, and progression terms.

Impacted majors and admission

Some CSU majors, such as nursing, computer science, and some engineering and business programmes, are impacted, meaning they have more applicants than places and higher admission standards. International applicants may need higher grades for these majors. Check impaction status for your major and campus before applying, and consider a backup major.

CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT

F-1 students can do internships through Curricular Practical Training when the work is part of the curriculum, and can work after graduation through Optional Practical Training, usually 12 months. Graduates of STEM-designated programmes can apply for a 24-month extension. Check your major's CIP code and talk to the international office before accepting any job.

Business and computer science

CSUDH's College of Business Administration and Public Policy offers accounting, finance, marketing, and management, and its computer science programme prepares students for technology roles. Ask about internships and STEM designation.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current CSUDH students about housing, transport, class schedules, and part-time work. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes underestimate Los Angeles rents and transport costs. Use CSUDH's official I-20 estimate and plan housing early.

Frequently asked questions