What are CSU schools?

Hey everyone, I've heard a lot about CSU schools lately, but I'm not quite sure what they are. Can someone explain what CSU stands for and what these schools are like? Are they all public universities in California?

CSU stands for California State University, which is a public university system in California. It is one of the three public higher education systems in the state, alongside the University of California (UC) system and the California Community College system. The CSU system includes 23 campuses across California, making it the largest four-year public university system in the United States.

CSU schools primarily focus on undergraduate and master's-level education, offering over 100 different majors and degree programs across various fields. Some well-known CSU campuses include San Diego State University, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In comparison to the UC system, which is generally more research-intensive and houses doctoral programs, the CSU system places a greater emphasis on teaching and preparing graduates for the workforce.

As public universities, CSU schools offer lower tuition costs for California residents compared to private universities or out-of-state public universities. However, like all public universities, they can still be competitive when it comes to admissions. Each CSU campus has its own admission requirements, and the application process is centralized through Cal State Apply. Keep in mind that the CSU system is test-blind, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in their admissions process.

In summary, the CSU system is a collection of public universities across California focused on providing accessible and affordable undergraduate and master's-level education. The CSU system is known for producing well-prepared graduates that contribute to California's workforce and economy.