Create only one account to avoid processing delays and difficulties. In most cases, duplicate accounts and any documents associated with them are placed on hold.
If you are applying for both graduate and credential/certificate programs, select all applicable degree/program options when completing your Extended Profile to ensure you can view all available program options.
Use an email address that you check frequently to avoid missing important updates. This email address should be unique to you (i.e., not a shared email account with family members, etc.).
Ensure that the name(s) you enter for your account is your current full legal name (the name you use for official purposes).
Note that names entered here will automatically be used in all communications from Cal State Apply. You’ll have an opportunity to report any former and/or preferred names later in the application.
Use proper capitalization; do not enter your name in all capitals or all lower-case letters.
Passwords are case-sensitive.
For your own security, do not share your password or account information with anyone.
New Account Instructions
To create an account:
From the application home page, click Create Account.
Complete the required fields, agree to the terms and conditions, then click Create Account.*
Provide additional information on the Extended Profile page. Click Save & Continue.
Use the filters to find and select the programs to which you want to apply. Note that you can go back and change these selections at any point before you submit your application.
*You must enter your first and last name. If you only have one name, enter it in the applicable name field (i.e., first name or last name), then:
Enter a period if your first name is unknown.
Enter a period if your last name is unknown.
Once your account is created, you receive a CAS ID number. This appears in the top left corner of your application. If you need to contact Customer Service, provide this number to them so they can quickly find your application.
Prefilling Your Cal State Apply Application from Your Niche Profile
California State University (CSU) partners with Niche to offer Niche Direct Admissions, a program where high school seniors can be conditionally admitted to a CSU campus with a scholarship. If you were conditionally admitted via Niche, a Cal State Apply account has been automatically created for you and you can start your application immediately.
Check your email for a message that contains a link to activate your Cal State Apply account. Once you activate your account, you'll see that certain data was copied from your Niche Profile. You will need to review the prefilled information to confirm it is accurate. The CSU campuses you selected in Niche are automatically filtered for you on the Add Program page.
Check your browser settings. You may need to try a different browser or clear cache or cookies. See the Cal State Apply Technical Requirements & Accessibility page for more information.
Reset your password.
If you're still having trouble logging in, contact customer service.
For the 2027 Application
Account Basics
When creating an account, consider the following:
Create only one account to avoid processing delays and difficulties. In most cases, duplicate accounts and any documents associated with them are placed on hold.
If you are applying for both graduate and credential/certificate programs, select all applicable degree/program options when completing your Extended Profile to ensure you can view all available program options.
Use an email address that you check frequently to avoid missing important updates. This email address should be unique to you (i.e., not a shared email account with family members, etc.).
Ensure that the name(s) you enter for your account is your current full legal name (the name you use for official purposes).
Note that names entered here will automatically be used in all communications from Cal State Apply. You’ll have an opportunity to report any former and/or preferred names later in the application.
Use proper capitalization; do not enter your name in all capitals or all lower-case letters.
Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.
For your own security, do not share your password or account information with anyone.
New Account Instructions
To create an account:
From the application home page, click Create an Account.
Complete the required fields, agree to the terms and conditions, then click Create my account.*
Complete the required fields for Complete Your Profile, then click Save Changes.
Use the arrows to review helpful information. When you're ready, click Start Your Application!
Use the filters to find and select the programs to which you want to apply. Note that you can go back and change these selections at any point before you submit your application.
When you are finished selecting your programs, click I am Done, Review My Selections.
Review your selections, then click Continue To My Application to view your dashboard.
*You must enter your first and last name. If you only have one name, enter it in the applicable name field (i.e., first name or last name), then:
Enter a period if your first name is unknown.
Enter a period if your last name is unknown.
Once your account is created, you receive a CAS ID number. This appears in the top right corner of your application. If you need to contact Customer Service, provide this number to them so they can quickly find your application.
Prefilling Your Cal State Apply Application from Your Niche Profile
California State University (CSU) partners with Niche to offer Niche Direct Admissions, a program where high school seniors can be conditionally admitted to a CSU campus with a scholarship. If you were conditionally admitted via Niche, a Cal State Apply account has been automatically created for you and you can start your application immediately.
Check your email for a message that contains a link to activate your Cal State Apply account. Once you activate your account, you'll see that certain data was copied from your Niche Profile. You will need to review the prefilled information to confirm it is accurate. The CSU campuses you selected in Niche are automatically filtered for you on the Add Program page.
Check your browser settings. You may need to try a different browser or clear cache or cookies. See the Cal State Apply Technical Requirements & Accessibility page for more information.
Reset your password.
If you're still having trouble logging in, contact customer service.