The California State University (CSU) system has partnered with the Riverside County Office of Education to introduce its first-ever direct admission pilot, offering automatic admission to eligible high school seniors in Riverside County for the fall 2025 term. This initiative aims to streamline the college admissions process and expand access to higher education for approximately 12,000 students across the county’s public high schools.
The pilot targets seniors who are on track to meet the required A-G college preparatory courses. These students will receive conditional admission to 10 participating CSU campuses, all before submitting a formal application. This initial admission offer will be communicated through brochures mailed to students’ homes, guiding them to select their preferred campuses via the CaliforniaColleges.edu platform. Afterward, official acceptance letters will be issued by the universities.
“We are excited to provide a direct pathway to higher education for thousands of high school students across Riverside County,” said April Grommo, CSU assistant vice chancellor of Strategic Enrollment Management, in a press release. “This pilot aims to reduce the stress and uncertainty that often accompany the college application process and to demonstrate that the door to college opportunity is wide open.”
The 10 CSU campuses participating in the pilot include Channel Islands, Chico, East Bay, Humboldt, Maritime Academy, Monterey Bay, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Marcos, and Sonoma. While students can apply to other CSU campuses outside the pilot, additional criteria may be required for admission into other programs or schools.
In the press release, Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, praised the partnership, noting its potential impact on the region. “As one of the fastest-growing areas in California, Riverside County has a critical need for college-educated professionals. This program will help remove barriers to higher education and expand opportunities for our diverse and talented students.”
To finalize their enrollment, students must continue to meet A-G course requirements, graduate from high school, and confirm their intent to enroll at their chosen campus by the respective deadline. Additionally, they are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, with a priority deadline of March 2.
