California State University, Fullerton (CSUF): Costs & Guide for International Students

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public university in Fullerton, Orange County, in Southern California, and the largest campus in the California State University system by enrolment. It is known for business through the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, communications, engineering, computer science, nursing, and the arts. For international students it offers a big public university near Los Angeles at moderate cost. This guide covers 2026-27 costs, programmes, and F-1 and OPT rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), a public university in Fullerton, Orange County
• Size: the largest CSU campus by enrolment
• 2026-27 nonresident undergraduate cost of attendance, living on campus (CSUF): about US$48,394
• Components: nonresident tuition US$12,246 (13 units a semester at US$471 a unit); systemwide tuition US$6,838; campus fees US$1,678; housing US$14,890; food US$6,640; books US$1,078; other costs about US$5,000
• Known for: business (Mihaylo College), communications, engineering, computer science, nursing, and the arts
• Location: about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles

Rankings and reputation

CSUF appears in US national university rankings and is recognised for social mobility and graduation outcomes. It is not highly placed in global research tables. Judge it on programme and cost.

Academics and signature programs

CSUF offers majors in business, accounting, finance, communications, computer science, engineering, kinesiology, nursing, psychology, theatre, music, and art, plus graduate programmes including the MBA and MS degrees. Ask about impacted majors and 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

CSUF's 2026-27 cost of attendance for nonresident undergraduates living on campus is about US$48,394, including nonresident tuition of US$12,246 based on 13 units a semester, systemwide tuition of US$6,838, campus fees of US$1,678, housing of US$14,890, and food of US$6,640. Living off campus with shared housing may cost less.

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 about campus scholarships open to international students.

Campus life and student support

CSUF's campus is busy and urban-suburban, with residence halls, the Titan Student Union, Division I athletics, and an arboretum. Orange County's beaches, Disneyland, and Los Angeles are nearby.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Orange County and Los Angeles offer jobs in business, technology, entertainment, health care, aerospace, and tourism. CSUF's business and communications graduates are well connected locally. 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.

The Mihaylo College of Business and Economics

Mihaylo is one of the largest business schools in the US, with accounting, finance, marketing, management, information systems, and entrepreneurship. Some business majors are impacted. Ask about internships with Orange County employers.

Living in Orange County

Orange County has high rents, sunny weather, and a car-oriented layout. Living near campus or sharing housing reduces costs. Metrolink trains connect Fullerton with Los Angeles.

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.

Visa and arrival steps

After admission, the university issues an I-20. You pay the SEVIS fee, book an F-1 visa interview, and arrive before orientation with financial documents showing you can pay the full estimated cost.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current CSUF students about housing, transport, class sizes, and internships. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

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

CSUF's estimate of about US$48,394 a year on campus suggests about US$190,000 for four years before scholarships.

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 CSUF suits best

CSUF suits students who want a large, affordable public university in Southern California with strong business and communications programmes. It may suit less well students who want small classes or a quiet setting.

CSUF compared with other Southern California CSU campuses

Cal State Long Beach, Pomona, and Los Angeles are nearby options with different programme strengths. Compare programme, impaction, and total 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.

Key takeaway

CSUF offers a big public university experience in Orange County at moderate cost. Use its official cost of attendance when planning funds.

Support for international students

CSU international offices help with I-20s, orientation, maintaining F-1 status, CPT and OPT applications, and travel signatures. Campuses also offer tutoring, writing centres, counselling, and student clubs, including cultural associations. Using these services early helps you settle in and avoid visa mistakes.

Comparing total costs

When comparing CSUF with other campuses, use each university's own cost of attendance for nonresident students. Living off campus with roommates can cost less than CSUF's on-campus estimate.

Final checks before you apply

Check whether your intended major is impacted, apply early, and prepare financial documents that match CSUF's official cost estimate.

Frequently asked questions