California State University-Fresno was founded in 1911 as Fresno State Normal School on what is now the campus of Fresno City College. In 1921, it became Fresno State Teacher’s College and in 1934, Fresno State College. Fresno Junior College (now FCC) merged with Fresno State, sharing a campus until 1948 when FCC moved to another site. In 1956, Fresno State moved back to its original location. The college was renamed California State University-Fresno in 1972. It is a part of the 23 campus California State University system.
Mission/Vision
The mission of California State University is to “empower the New California through learning, scholarship and engagement.” The university desires to “become nationally recognized for education that transforms students and improves the quality of life in the region and beyond.”
Campus Setting
Cal State-Fresno is located in northeastern Fresno, California’s fifth largest city. The campus is a three-hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is an hour’s drive from mountain and lake resorts and Yosemite National Park. Unique features include raisin and wine grape vineyards, a commercial winery and a planetarium. Members of the university’s equestrian team have the option of keeping horses on campus near an indoor and outdoor arena.
Academics
Cal State-Fresno was the first of all the state’s universities to offer an individual campus Doctoral degree. The 2014 edition of US News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges ranks the university 5th in California’s public regional universities and 8th for the same in all western states. Graduate level programs in Rehabilitation Counseling, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology and the part-time MBA all rank high nationally. In 2013, the Craig School of Business was featured in Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best College List. The MBA program at Sid Craig is ranked 45th in the nation by The Princeton Review.
Undergraduate degrees are offered in numerous areas from Agricultural Business to Women’s Studies. A total of 45 master’s degree programs are offered along with an Educational Specialist degree, a Doctorate of Educational Leadership, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and 10 certificates of advanced study.
Athletics
Cal State-Fresno has 18 varsity sports teams known as the Bulldogs with school colors cardinal red and blue. Teams have made several runs at NCAA tournaments in football, basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and baseball. Teams compete as NCAA Division I members. The Bulldogs won the Division baseball championship in 2008 and the softball championship in 1998.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University strives to keep the cost of a higher education affordable. Tuition currently begins at around $2,000 for a 6-unit semester. Tuition rises with advancing degrees. Graduate/Post Baccalaureate degrees are approximately $3,000 per 6-unit semester. The Doctor of Education degree tuition is approximately $6,000, Doctorate of Nursing practice $7,500 and the Doctorate of Physical Therapy $8,500. All tuitions are approximate and subject to change on approval by the Board of Trustees.
Student loans are available by applying with the Free Application for for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal funds are awarded through Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). State grants are awarded by California State Grants A, B, TCP, State University Grants, the State Educational Opportunity Program, Middle Class Scholarship, Graduate Business Grant and the Dream Act.
Accreditation
Cal State-Fresno is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Craig School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Lyles College of Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Admissions
First time freshman need to have at least a C average in the following courses: 2 years History and Social Science, 4 years of English, 2 years of a foreign language, 2 years Laboratory Science, 1 year of Visual or Performing Arts and 1 year of a college prep elective. Applicants must have taken the ACT or SAT. An eligibility index table uses a combination of test scores and grade point averages for entrance requirements.
For more information contact the school directly at admissions@csufresno.edu.
5150 N Maple Ave. M/S JA57
Fresno, CA 93740-8026
Phone Number (559) 278-2261
Fax Number (559) 278-4812
