Sacramento State is a few miles from the state Capitol, which gives it an unusual link to California government. Its Center for California Studies runs the Capital Fellows programmes, placing graduates in the legislature and state offices. Founded in 1947, it sits on the American River, with a trail running past campus. Nursing, engineering, computer science, business and criminal justice are the larger programmes.
Sacramento, California, United States
Official website: csus.edu
1947
Public, California State University system
On the American River, Sacramento
Home of the Capital Fellows programmes
$18,000 – $21,000
International students, tuition plus nonresident fees
$15,000 – $20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on csus.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Civil Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Criminal Justice
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Close ties to California state government.
A riverside campus on the American River Parkway.
Large engineering and computer science departments.
Graduates join state agencies, the legislature and local government in Sacramento.
Engineers work for Caltrans, utilities and consulting firms.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT; STEM degrees may get the extension.
Undergrad
Oct to early Dec
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
Aug to Sep
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Sacramento is flat and bike-friendly, with hot summers and tree-lined older neighbourhoods such as Midtown and East Sacramento.
Rent is lower than in the Bay Area, which is about 90 minutes west. Lake Tahoe is roughly two hours east.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduates apply through Cal State Apply, usually October 1 to early December for fall, with a shorter window in late summer for spring. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines.
Sacramento State admits in fall and, for many programmes, in spring.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from California State University - Sacramento first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Computer science, engineering, nursing, business and criminal justice are popular. Undergraduates need good school grades and around IELTS 6.0; graduate applicants need a relevant degree and IELTS 6.5.
The university runs an annual scholarship application for enrolled students, and some awards are open to international students. Amounts are modest.
