California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is a scenic and inclusive university near the Pacific Ocean, offering a personalized education with a low student-to-faculty ratio and significant financial aid opportunities for its students.
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is the newest campus in the CSU system, established in 2002 in Camarillo, California. Built on the historic grounds of the former Camarillo State Hospital, the campus blends heritage architecture with modern academic facilities amid the scenic Santa Monica Mountains. Its location places students within an hour of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and minutes from the Pacific Ocean.
Living on campus at CSUCI immerses you in the university experience, with residential villages (Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Town Center) offering unique environments and dining plans. The campus provides comprehensive student activity programmes and trained staff to support success. Beyond campus, nearby beaches, hiking trails, and the cities of Los Angeles, Malibu, and Santa Barbara are all easily accessible. Student organisations, campus events, and the university's commitment to basic-needs support foster a welcoming and vibrant community.
81% of CSUCI students receive some form of financial aid including grants, scholarships, and loans. Students meeting WUE eligibility must enrol in at least 15 units per semester.
CSUCI is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It holds Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation and the Seal of Excelencia. In 2025 it received Carnegie Classification as a Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) institution and an Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU) designation from the American Council on Education.
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Art Program at CSU Channel Islands provides a comprehensive education that blends traditional artistic techniques with modern digital technologies. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in various art media and theory, encouraging interdisciplinary studies. Students will explore areas such as graphic design, multimedia, fine art, and art history, preparing them for advanced artistic pursuits.
The Anthropology program at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) offers an innovative and interdisciplinary education focused on understanding people: our origins, history, cultures, and the similarities and differences that shape our past, present, and future. Through this program, you will gain a deep understanding of ourselves and others, developing critical thinking and data interpretation skills. The curriculum exposes you to diverse fields, from biology to the fine arts, and provides opportunities for hands-on field studies in locations like the Channel Islands and Asia. This comprehensive approach prepares you for a wide range of career paths and graduate studies.
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is designed for students fascinated by the development and learning of young children, including dual language learners and those with special needs. This program prepares you to work effectively with children from birth to age 8 and their families in various settings such as homes, schools, and communities. CSUCI's interdisciplinary approach ensures you gain creative and innovative knowledge and skills, with a particular focus on language acquisition and literacy for dual language learners. You will develop strong foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills essential for success in the field.
At California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), the Bachelor of Arts in Economics program offers a creative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding behavior in individuals, businesses, and government. It explores the environment and global economic trends, aiming to develop financial awareness to aid in decision-making. The program emphasizes a broad education by linking economics with various other disciplines, including business, education, art, history, and chemistry.
The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies program at CSUCI is designed for students who understand their interconnectedness with the wider world. This program equips you with the essential tools to comprehend diverse cultures and nations, analyze how historical events shape present-day realities, and leverage interdisciplinary knowledge to influence the future. You will integrate global coursework with practical international experiences to deepen your understanding of global issues and develop your capacity for global citizenship and leadership.
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
Annual non-resident tuition and mandatory campus fees are approximately $22,100. WUE-eligible out-of-state students pay approximately $11,588 per year.
Estimated living costs, including on-campus room and board, are approximately $15,000–$17,000 per year.
CSUCI has an intimate 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for close mentorship and personalized learning experiences.
Yes, 81% of CSUCI students receive some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans, making it one of the most affordable universities in California.
For undergraduate programs, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 61 or IELTS of 6.0 is required. Graduate programs typically require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80.