California State University-San Bernardino admits 98.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 49 out of 50 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Cal State San Bernardino in the Open Access category, with significantly higher acceptance rates than typical four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that Cal State San Bernardino is substantially more accessible than comparable public universities, accepting 20.2 percentage points more applicants than its peer group. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, with the university prioritizing broad educational access over selectivity. Students should view Cal State San Bernardino as a reliable admission option while building balanced college lists. The university's open access mission supports its role as an Opportunity Builder institution, providing educational pathways for students who might face barriers at more selective schools. For prospective students, this accessibility creates opportunities to focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than admission competition. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to serving diverse student populations, including first-generation and lower-income students who represent significant portions of the enrolled student body.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Cal State San Bernardino enrolls a highly diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access and opportunity. The university serves 57.1% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than half of enrolled students come from lower-income families, well above national averages for four-year institutions. Additionally, 59.7% of students are first-generation college students, meaning they are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Transfer students comprise 49.1% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strong partnerships with community colleges and commitment to transfer pathways. This composition indicates the university actively serves populations that have historically faced barriers to higher education, including working adults, returning students, and those from communities with limited college-going traditions. The high percentage of transfer students suggests the university provides clear articulation pathways and support systems for students beginning their education at community colleges. Students from similar backgrounds should know they will find a substantial community of peers with shared experiences and challenges. The university's demographics reflect its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds throughout Southern California.
Given Cal State San Bernardino's 98.2% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most academically prepared students. However, students seeking different geographic locations, program offerings, or institutional characteristics may want to consider alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Cal State San Bernardino demonstrates solid student success outcomes with particularly strong support for low-income students. The university retains 77.6% of freshmen for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating room for improvement in first-year student engagement and support. However, 54.6% of students graduate within six years, compared to a peer median of 65.9%. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at 64.0%, significantly outperforming the overall graduation rate by 9.4 percentage points. This reverse gap suggests the university provides exceptional support systems for lower-income students, helping them succeed at higher rates than their more affluent peers. Students who gain admission can expect institutional commitment to degree completion, particularly if they qualify for federal financial aid. The strong Pell completion rate indicates robust academic support, financial aid packaging, and student services targeted to first-generation and lower-income populations. Prospective students should view these completion patterns as evidence of the university's effectiveness in serving diverse student populations, especially those who might face additional challenges in completing their degrees. The data suggests students from lower-income backgrounds will find comprehensive support systems designed to promote their academic success and degree completion.
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