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California State University, Fresno: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
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1410 acre campus- Estd. 1911
Last updated on 20 May '26Fresno StateWhat's new?
- Admissions are now open for Indian students at Cal State Fresno
- Last date to apply for UG courses at Cal State Uni Fresno is Jul 1, 2026
About California State University Fresno
The California State University, Fresno is a public university in Fresno, California that offers UG, PG, and doctoral degree courses to students in fields like Business, Agriculture, and Engineering. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is also the most affordable of the 23 universities that are part of the CSU system.
CSU Fresno offers strong STEM courses, and its proximity to the Bay Area offers several networking and internship opportunities to Indian students at top companies in Silicon Valley like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, and several other Fortune 500 companies.
Cal State University Fresno welcomes Indian students with open arms, as its acceptance rate stands at 96%. Students with a strong academic and extracurricular background have very strong chances for admission.
California State University Fresno Information
Mentioned below are some key facts and figures related to studies at California State Uni Fresno:
| Fact | Validation |
|---|---|
| Main Campus Address | 5241 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno, California |
| Budget | USD 389.7 million |
| President | Saul Jimenez-Sandoval |
| Total Students | 24,310 |
| Undergraduate Students | 21,852 |
| Graduate Students | 2,458 |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 23:1 |
| Sporting Affiliation | NCAA Division I and the Mountain West Conference |
CSU Fresno History and Background
The university began as the Fresno State Normal School in 1911. Charles Lourie McLane took over as its first president. It was one of the 180 normal schools founded by the state government to train teachers for the common schools. The Fresno City College stands on the original site of the university. In 1949, it was renamed to Fresno State College and attained the right to award UG degrees. In 1972, it attained its present-day name.
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Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The Fresno State University can be a good choice for Indian students looking to pursue respective higher studies from abroad for a number of reasons, as mentioned below:
- Based in the heart of California, also known as the Silicon Valley, the state is a hub of some of the best technological organizations
- 5th the largest city in the state, with a very sporting culture & availability of world class facilities
- Located ideally (a three-hour drive) to both Los Angeles & San Francisco
- Ranked #2 for the most affordable schools in California by an unofficial source
- Ranks among the top 100 public schools as part of an unofficial source's national rankings
The CSU Fresno campus is known for being the first campus of the California State University's institutional umbrella to offer an individual campus doctorate degree. The institute also offers over 25 nationally accredited departmental programs, which happens to be the the highest within the CSU system.
The California State University in itself, holds the honour of being one of the largest educational systems in the world, with over 23 campuses.
Further, the institute also ranks highly as part of national & global university rankings given by several prominent ranking publications securing a US-wide rank of #357 as part of the Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
Yes, California State University Fresno also known by its nickname Fresno State is accredited by relevant accrediting agencies. Fresno State is accredited by the California Board of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Additionally, California State University Fresno has 26 nationally accredited departmental programs, among the highest number within the CSU system. Some additional accreditations are given below.
- National Association of Social Workers
- Council on Social Work Education
- California Commission On Teacher Credentialing
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
California State University Fresno Ranking 2026
CSU Fresno is one of the best universities in California. The university ranks #335 in the US, as part of the latest Shiksha rankings. The California State Fresno World Ranking 2026 is #1036 according to Shiksha. It stands out for its Business and Nursing courses. Here is how it ranks in the US for some of its popular Business and Nursing programs:
| California State University - Fresno Campus Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| MSN | - | #178 |
| MS | #616 | #236 |
| BBA | - | #233 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha, several other prominent university ranking platforms like US News and ARWU.
- US News ranks it #183 among colleges and universities in the US in 2026 and #225 in the Graduate Nursing Schools
#1036
#335
California State University Fresno Courses
Indian students have more than 60 UG degrees, 45 PG degrees, and 3 doctoral degrees as options to choose from when it comes to the California State University Courses. These courses are delivered by 2,500+ faculty members, across 8 CSU Fresno Colleges in areas like Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, Psychology, Nursing, Education, Agricultural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, among others.
California State University Fresno Popular Courses Among Indian Students
Of the vast course catalog that the university maintains, mentioned below are some popular courses pursued by Indian students at the Cal State University Fresno:
- CSU Fresno MBA
- MS in Nursing
- MS in Computer Science
- MS in Construction Management
- MS in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Public Administration
CSU Fresno Online Courses
Cal State University also offers several online courses to Indian students. These come with recorded lectures, online tests, and assessments. Art, Media, and Communication, Business and Management, Computer and IT, and Healthcare are some popular streams that can be pursued online.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Failing or getting a low grade (like a D or F) at Fresno State directly impacts a student's GPA and can lead to loss of financial aid or academic probation. Students are allowed to retake the course and improve their grade in the same.
A GPA of 2.0 is usually considered the bare minimum that students need to study at Fresno State. Falling below this GPA can lead to an Academic Notice/Warning.
Repeatedly failing may lead to academic disqualification.
At Fresno State Uni, dropping a class completely disenrolls a student from the class. The student loses their spot in the course, and the same is then given to the next available student.
However, swapping a classing allows them to switch courses (if eligible), while still retaining their spot in the present course, in case they fail to switch courses.
Students can register for classes via MyFresnoState portal. Register on the same prior to the start of the semester and ensure all dues are cleared.
Follow the steps below, to register for a course at Fresno State Uni:
- Log in to My Fresno State
- Search for classes and select the semester/term
- Use the subject, course number to find specific courses
- Add courses to the enrolment cart
- Proceed to enroll and complete the process
California State University Fresno Admission Process for Indian Students 2026
Indian students can apply for California State University Admissions using the Cal State Apply portal. An application fee worth USD 70 (INR 6.5 K) would also be required to complete the application process. Meeting the course requirements alone does not guarantee admission to CSU Fresno. Indian students would need to demonstrate a strong performance in extra-curricular activities as well.
California State University Fresno Application Deadline 2026
The university accepts admission applications for 2 main intakes; Fall and Spring. Mentioned below are the upcoming deadlines for Indian students to apply to CSU Fresno:
| Intake |
Application Deadline - UG |
Application Deadline - PG |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Jul 1, 2026 | Closed |
| Spring | Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 |
1 USD = INR 93.68
California State University Fresno Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Apart from the course-specific requirements, students also need to submit some valid scores in English tests and competitive tests. Mentioned below are the basic requirements students need to meet to be eligible for higher studies here:
| Items | Required |
|---|---|
| Documents Required |
|
| English Test Scores Accepted |
|
| Competitive Test Scores Accepted |
California State University Fresno Admission Requirements for Indian Students for Master's Courses
- All university marksheets, transcripts, and degree certificates with literal English translation
- Degree certificate or diploma
- Unofficial GRE or GMAT score report via email
California State University Fresno Entry Requirements for Indian Students for Bachelor's Courses
- Secondary or Higher Secondary Transcripts, mark sheets, or grade reports
- Copy of the graduation certificate or diploma
- Copy of the information or photo passport page
- Application fees :USD 55 - 70
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Cal State Fresno has an acceptance rate of 96%. The university entry requirements for Indian students are not too stringent. A GPA of 2.5 on a 3.0 scale is often enough to get into graduate programs at Fresno State.
Students who meet the course-specific entry requirements and submit their applications on time, have a very good chance of getting a seat at CSU Fresno.
The admission requirements at Fresno State vary from course to course. International applicants should check the eligibility and other requirements before filling application form. It is necessary to meet the minimum admission requirements to get into Fresno State.The general admission requirements for international students are given below.
- Official transcripts of high school/college
- English proficiency test scores
- GRE/GMAT scores (optional)
- SAT/ACT scores (optional)
- Personal statement
- Student CV
- Two or three recommendation letters (LORs)
- A copy of your passport
- Financial documents
Yes, IELTS is required to prove English language proficiency at California State University along with other tests like TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. The required scores for English language requirements at California State University are given below:
English Language Tests | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
Min 61 | |
6 with a 5.5 band score in each section | |
PTE | Min 45 |
100 |
Fresno StateCSU Fresno Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
CSU Fresno offers merit-based scholarships to Indian students based on academic performance. The Dean's Scholarship Tuition Waiver and the Muhareb Family Grant are the best ones available to Indians. Apart from in-house scholarships, Indian students can also apply for external scholarships in the US to fund their studies at Cal State Uni Fresno. Mentioned below are some popular California State Fresno Scholarships for Indian students to consider:
| Type of Scholarship | Scholarship Name | Financial Benefits | Level of Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | Dean's Scholarship Tuition Waiver |
|
UG and PG |
| Merit-based | Muhareb Family Grant |
|
UG and PG |
1 USD = INR 93.13
How can Indian students be eligible for CSU Fresno scholarships?
Indian students can receive financial aid at Cal State University Fresno if they meet the requirements mentioned below:
- Be an international fee-paying & newly-enrolled student
- Maintain a strong academic GPA (ideally 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale)
- Demonstrate leadership or academic excellence
18 monthsFresno StateStudents Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review- 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
(2) 2 people found this helpfulCSU Fresno Career Outcomes 2026
Fresno State graduates are hired by Silicon Valley giants like Google, Amazon, and Salesforce, along with consulting firms like the Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Deloitte. The Career Development Center also helps students find high-paying jobs, build networks, and prepare for job interviews.
California State University Fresno Placement Rate
The university is yet to release data on the percentage of graduates who landed full-time roles in the latest round of CSU Fresno Placements. Mentioned below is a breakdown of the top industries that employ its graduates.
| Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Education | 10.4% |
| Business Development | 9.7% |
| Operations | 9% |
| Sales | 6.2% |
| Healthcare | 6% |
CSU Fresno Average Graduate Salary
Given below is a breakdown of the average salaries earned by the Cal State University Fresno graduates, according to their major:
| Industry | Average Graduate Starting Salary in USD | Average Graduate Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | USD 57,456 | INR 53.4 Lakhs |
| Criminal Justice or Safety Studies | USD 56,500 | INR 52.5 Lakhs |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences or Liberal Studies | USD 54,909 | INR 51.04 Lakhs |
| Biology or Biological Sciences | USD 54,153 | INR 50.34 Lakhs |
| Psychology | USD 53,513 | INR 49.75 Lakhs |
Source: US News
1 USD = INR 92.97
California State University Fresno Cost for Indian Students 2026
Tuition fees for Indian students planning to enroll in UG courses for the Fall 2026 intake at CSU Fresno are USD 19,921 (INR 18.60 Lakhs) for 12 units/semester. For PG courses, the CSU Fresno tuition fees for Indian students are USD 18,805 (INR 17.56 Lakhs) for 9 units/semester. Students interested in a full-time MBA from Cal State Uni Fresno would have to pay USD 24,583 (INR 22.96 Lakhs) for 9 units/semester.
CSU Fresno Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
The cost of living in California for Indian students varies depending on lifestyle choices. Given below is a breakdown of the average living costs for Indian students at CSU Fresno:
| Expense Type | Cost in USD | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Food | USD 11,634 | INR 10.86 Lakhs |
| Books and Insurance | USD 2,879 | INR 2.7 Lakhs |
| Total | USD 14,513 | INR 13.55 Lakhs |
1 USD = INR 93.42
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(22 courses) | INR 11 L - 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-30 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, GRE |
B.Sc.(21 courses) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 45 & Above, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(10 courses) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 45 & Above, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
B.A.(29 courses) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 45 & Above, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
M.A.(19 courses) | INR 13 L - 22 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 - 100, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
BBA(5 courses) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 45 & Above, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
B.Arch(2 courses) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
M.Agri.(2 courses) | INR 14 L - 15 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE |
B.Agri(2 courses) | INR 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 45 & Above, Duolingo |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 22 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: GMAT: 550 & Above, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Indian students can pay their fees by logging into their My Fresno State Student Portal. Go to Make a Payment section and choose International Payment option. The simplest method is to pay by Convera.
Due date to pay the tuition fee for Indian students vary by the term and registration date. For the Fall intake, tuition payment is usually due by Aug 21.
Yes, Indian students can pay their fees in installments at Fresno State. The university offers an Installment Payment Plan that allows tuition costs to be spread into multiple installments (usually 3) over the semester.
Follow the steps below to set up a payment plan:
- Log in to myFresnoState
- Go to Student Self Service icon
- Go to Student Center
- Click on My Finances and proceed to Other Financials drop down menu
- Select Enroll in Payment Plan
- Complete the process
- Go to View My Account to see whether enrolment in the plan was successful.
Our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors can help set up the payment plan for you, FREE of cost.
Fresno StateStudent profile
Hispanic
60%
Others
24%
Asian
12%
Black
2%
In state
96%
Foreign
2%
24 and under
84%
25 and over
15%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
CSU Fresno Notable Alumni
Cal State University in Fresno has produced several professionals across the politics, engineering, sports, and entertainment industries. This includes former Lieutenant Governor of California Cruz Bustamant, actor Richard Kiel, and NBA star Chris Herren. Mentioned below is some more on others who make up the Fresno State Notable Alumni.
| Name | Known For | Alumnus |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Swearengin |
|
 |
| Cruz Bustamante |
|
 |
| Jim Costa |
|
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| Robert Beltran |
|
 |
College comparison
Compare Fresno State with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 10.89 L - 18.29 L | #183 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 14.4 L - 21.26 L | #847 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 12.14 L - 21.82 L | #1542 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 12.59 L - 19.92 L | #139 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.41 L - 29.47 L | #1279 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 12.65 L - 28.85 L | #127 US News, 2026 |
CompareFresno StateStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
CSU Fresno Campus Life for Indian Students
Student Life for Indian students at the Cal State University Fresno campus is warm and welcoming and full of diversity (students from more than 70 countries). The university encourages active participation for Indian students in cultural and academic events. There are 200+ student clubs and organizations, an Indian Student Club, on-campus housing for 700+ students, and a world-class sports program at the CSU Fresno campus.
Fresno State University Campus Location
Cal State Fresno operates only 1 campus, based in Fresno, California. It is spread around a 1,011-acre university farm, and is one of the 23 campuses that are part of the California State University system.
CSU Fresno Student Life for Indian Students
Mentioned below are some key features of student life at the CSU Fresno University campus:
- The CSU Fresno Indian Student Club is the go-to place for Indian students at the university. It hosts several cultural events and festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi. The club maintains a strong social media presence and is the best way one can join the Indian student community in Fresno.
- New and Incoming Indian students are also provided support services by the International Office. This includes academic assistance, orientation, immigration support, and help with funding studies in the USA.
Fresno State
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 years ago
To get admission at California State University, international students must be eligible for the chosen program. We have mentioned below the general California State University eligibility requirements for students:
- English language requirements
English Language Tests | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
Min 61 | |
6 with a 5.5 band score in each section | |
Min 45 | |
100 |
- High school transcripts, mark sheets, or grade reports.
- G
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 years ago
The GRE score is only required for pursuing a master's in CSU. The required score is 284-300 for international students. Along with that, international students have to fulfill other requirements like high academic scores, transcripts, references, test scores, and experience in the chosen field. Cal
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 years ago
No, California State University is not free for international students. Students have to pay the application fee of USD 70 (INR 5,995) at the end of the form. Once students get shortlisted for the programme and get an offer letter, they have to submit tuition fees according to the chosen program. Th
A
Contributor-Level 10
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Fresno State
California State University Fresno Campus picture
California State University Fresno Campus picture
California State University Fresno Campus picture
California State University Fresno Campus picture
California State University Fresno Campus pictureFresno StateLocation
| University City | Fresno, California, USA |
Fresno StateCampuses
5241 N. Maple Ave. Fresno, CA 93740 United States
Visit official siteFresno StateContact Information
5241 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93740, United States
Fresno ( California)
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