Turlock is a farm town halfway between Modesto and Merced, and Stanislaus State is its university. The campus opened in 1960 and is known for its ponds and green lawns, a contrast to the fields around it. It is small by CSU standards, with a second centre in Stockton. Business, psychology, nursing, criminal justice and agricultural studies are popular, and living costs are low.
Turlock, California, United States
Official website: csustan.edu
1960
Public, California State University system
Turlock, plus a Stockton centre
Small town in the Central Valley
$17,000 – $20,000
International students, tuition plus nonresident fees
$12,000 – $16,000
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 csustan.edu before you apply.
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BA Psychology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BA Agricultural Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
A quiet campus with ponds and walking paths.
Low rent compared with most of California.
Small classes for a public university.
Graduates join Central Valley agribusiness, health systems and schools.
Business alumni work for food processors such as those around Modesto.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT after finishing.
Undergrad
Oct to early Dec
Postgrad
Spring deadlines
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Turlock is quiet, flat and surrounded by almond orchards and dairies. Downtown Main Street has cafes and a weekly farmers' market in season.
Rent is cheap. Modesto is 20 minutes north, and the Bay Area and Yosemite are each about two hours away.
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 between October 1 and early December for fall. Graduate programmes review applications through spring.
Most students begin in the fall semester. Spring entry is available for some programmes.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from California State University - Stanislaus after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Business, psychology, nursing, criminal justice and the MBA are popular. Undergraduates are assessed on school grades with IELTS 6.0; graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree and about IELTS 6.5.
Stanislaus State runs an annual scholarship application for enrolled students. International awards are limited.
