California State University Sacramento

The quality of teaching at Sacramento State is always the top priority of staff and faculty. Students invest a lot of time and money into their education, and the team at Sacramento State understand that they must offer value for that investment.

With that in mind, there is significant investment into the resources made available to students, including the outstanding facilities in which students will learn and the resources that they use. Students will benefit from learning environments and equipment that are professional standard, tailored to their chosen study program, meaning they can easily transition into their future working career upon successful completion of their degree.

The faculty hired at the university are also leaders in their field. They are not just experts in their respective subjects, but also outstanding educators who are able to make information accessible and engaging for students.

These efforts have seen the university recognized with various distinctions, including being ranked as the 8th best public university in the western US by US News & World Report.

There are 8 main colleges that make up the departmental structure of Sacramento State. Within each college there are a wide range of majors available as study programs, giving students an excellent selection of courses that they can pursue when applying to the university.

These colleges are:

• Arts & Letters – a college that covers various art and performance subjects, including music and theatre, along with English, communication studies, and languages.
• Business – this college offers a selection of business-related study programs, including undergraduate and graduate options.
• Continuing Education – offering a broad selection of certificates and undergraduate study options.
• Education – a college that caters to the future teachers and lecturers at all age levels
• Engineering & Computer Science – this college includes various forms of engineering degree, such as civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
• Health & Human Services – this college includes courses dedicated to physical and mental health, but also criminal justice, recreation and tourism, and social work.
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics – a college dedicated to the broad sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) as well as geography, geology, and mathematics.
• Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies – a broad college that covers study majors such as psychology, gender studies, political science, economics and more.

International students applying for an undergraduate study program can choose between Fall and Spring intake dates, with application deadlines varying for each. Fall intake students must file their application between October and June, while the Spring intake period runs from August until November.

Prospective students must fulfill Sacramento State's academic entry requirements, which may vary depending on the chosen program of study. These requirements typically include completion of a high school education or its equivalent. It's advisable for students to review the specific prerequisites for their desired course of study on the university's website before applying.

For international students whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is required. Sacramento State typically accepts standardized tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The university generally requires a minimum overall score of 6.0 on the IELTS.

Students will be able to make use of Sacramento State's excellent facilities through their time at the university, all of which are designed to enhance the learning experience and support students in their academic endeavors.

The university's campus provides modern classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology to facilitate dynamic and engaging learning environments. These classrooms are designed to accommodate various teaching methods, ensuring students have access to the latest educational resources and tools.

The university's library serves as a hub for research and study, offering access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources to support students in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the library provides research assistance and study spaces aimed at students who need somewhere to work in peace, along with collaborative study spaces for group projects.

Beyond academic facilities, Sacramento State prioritizes student well-being and recreational activities. The campus features fitness centers, sports fields, and student lounges, fostering a vibrant and balanced student life, along with plenty of dining options aimed at providing a balanced diet.

To help students with funding, the university provides transparent breakdowns of student fees, ensuring students understand exactly what they need to pay when applying for study. Additionally, Sacramento State offers resources to estimate living costs, helping international students budget effectively during their time on campus. International students will need to provide evidence of their ability to fund their studies as part of their application.

The university recognizes the financial considerations associated with pursuing higher education and offers various scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. There is a dedicated scholarships office that awards almost USD 4 million in scholarships every year to students at the university, with some available for international students, although these are more limited.

These scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens and recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and other notable accomplishments. The eligibility requirements for each award vary – students can learn more on the university's website.

In its bid to constantly offer the best standards of education, and be a progressive and forward-looking university that welcomes a diverse student body, Sacramento State is always looking at ways that it can improve itself, either through new funding and investment or through growth in other ways.

Recent examples highlight the dedication to development of the university – such as the allocation of around USD 300,000 in February 2024 to pay for new furniture, supplies and equipment to be included in the new art building, which is nearing completion. By not just investing in the facility but in the equipment and resources it contains, art students will have the best chance of success.

And in April 2024, the College of Engineering and Computer Science was presented with a Bronze Award from the American Society for Engineering Education Diversity Recognition Program. This award highlights the great work done by the college to ensure its engineering programs are as inclusive as can be, reinforcing the message that Sacramento State is a welcoming option for international students.