Returning to CSUN: I am a returning undergraduate student

Do I need to reapply to CSUN?

If you are returning to CSUN, you don’t need to reapply on Cal State Apply or pay the $70 application fee if:

• You left CSUN in good academic standing.*
• You left CSUN on academic notice.*
• You left CSUN because of disqualification, and you want to return in the spring 2025 semester or later. Visit the "previously disqualified" row on this page.*

Just fill out the Welcome Back Form by the deadlines under "How to Return" below, and we'll get back to you with an admissions decision.

Please note:

• If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, please do not use the Welcome Back Form.
• If you are an international student, please visit Returning International Students for readmission instructions.

Not sure if you need to request readmission to CSUN? Contact Records & Registration at registrar@csun.edu or call (818) 677-3700 during our business hours.

* Learn more about academic standing.

How to Return

1. Complete the Welcome Back Form. 

Submit the Welcome Back Form (link forthcoming) to request readmission to the semester you intend to return during these available windows:

• For spring 2025: The Welcome Back Form is available between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2024. 
• For fall 2025: The Welcome Back Form will be available between Oct. 1, 2024, and July 15, 2025.

When you return, your major will be the one you were pursuing when you last attended CSUN. If you’d like to change your major, we encourage you to consult with an academic advisor first. You will not be able to request a new major on the form.

2. Watch for our email confirmation. 

We’ll be in touch with any required next steps or documents, for example, transcripts for any course work you've completed since you last attended CSUN.

3. Reactivate your CSUN Portal and email account. 

Log in to the CSUN Portal. If you’ve forgotten your CSUN user ID or password, try the options at CSUN Account Information.

Check your application status in your CSUN Portal Checklist.

4. Send any additional transcripts. 

Send your official transcripts of any course work you’ve completed since your last CSUN attendance. Please note:

• If you are returning in good academic standing or left CSUN on academic notice and have not taken courses elsewhere since you last attended CSUN, no transcripts are required.
• If you did take courses, send us your official transcripts for any college or university classes you have completed since you last attended CSUN.
• We will also ask you to send preliminary transcripts for any course work now in progress.
• As soon as your in-progress course work is complete and grades are posted, send your final transcripts.

For transcript deadlines and instructions, see I Have Applied – Next Steps on this page.

Application Periods

Good news! Effective spring 2025 and after, it's easier for previously disqualified students to apply to return to CSUN by using the Welcome Back Form. Submit the Welcome Back Form for the semester you intend to return during these open windows:

• For spring 2025 — Submit the Welcome Back Form between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2024.
• For fall 2025 — Submit the Welcome Back Form between Oct. 1, 2024, and [TBA]. Check back here soon.

At CSUN, we offer you a path to return after previous disqualification. Being disqualified means you must wait at least one semester before enrolling in CSUN courses through the regular process. Please see important deadlines in the How to Apply section below.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for readmission, undergraduate and second bachelor's students must show improvements that prove their academic growth, which will continue when returning to CSUN. These include:

• Successfully completing courses in your degree program at another institution or through the Tseng College (extension) at CSUN.
• Earning grades that demonstrate the ability to return to good academic standing in a reasonable time frame if readmitted to CSUN.

We strongly urge you to meet with a CSUN academic advisor in the college of your major to review your situation and readmission requirements.

For SPRING 2025 readmission, complete the following two basic subject courses required for CSU general education with a grade of C- or better:

• Written Communication
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

We strongly recommend that you also complete the remaining basic subject CSU general education courses with a C- or better before returning to CSUN:

• Critical Thinking*
• Oral Communication (Speech)

*Students applying as Engineering or Computer Science majors do not have to complete Critical Thinking prior to readmission.

For FALL 2024 readmission, you must have completed each of the four basic subject courses required for CSU general education with a grade of C- or better:

• Written Communication
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
• Critical Thinking*
• Oral Communication (Speech)

While you are preparing to demonstrate your progress, you should also begin your Cal State Apply application for fall 2024 readmission.

How to Apply

1. Submit the Welcome Back Form.

You must submit the Welcome Back Form during its available dates listed in the table below for the semester you intend to return. You'll also need to wait at least one semester after being disqualified before requesting readmission to CSUN.

Please review the timeline for fall or spring readmission in the table below.

• If disqualified at the end of a fall or spring term, the earliest you can return to CSUN is the next like term.
• You don’t need to reapply on Cal State Apply or pay the $70 application fee.
• The Previously Disqualified Questionnaire is no longer required.

Once you submit the Welcome Back Form, our Office of Admissions will be in touch with instructions for your required next steps and documents, so be sure to check your email regularly!

2. Consult an Academic Advisor.

We strongly encourage you to speak with a CSUN academic advisor in the college of your major to review your situation and readmission requirements. A trained professional can help you assess your unique circumstances and the requirements for your major.

When you return, your major will be the one you were pursuing when you last attended CSUN. If you’d like to change your major, consult with an advisor as soon as possible .

If you are pursuing an Associate Degree for Transfer from a California community college, make sure your major matches one that CSUN has approved. Visit Matching CSUN and ADT Majors.

3. Reactivate Your CSUN Portal and Email Account. 

After you submit the Welcome Back Form and we've activated you in the system, you will receive an email from our office with the information you'll need to create or update your CSUN user ID and password. You may need to wait for our email to access your CSUN Gmail, but you don't need to wait to access the CSUN Portal.

• Log in to the CSUN Portal. If you’ve forgotten your CSUN user ID or password, try the options at CSUN Account Information.
• Check your application status in your CSUN Portal Checklist. For a refresher, visit the Checklist How-to Guide.

4. Send in Your Official Transcripts.

Send us your official transcripts, including the following:

• Official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN.
• Preliminary transcripts for any course work now in progress.
• Final transcripts as soon as your in-progress course work is completed and grades are posted.

Please note: No transcripts are required if you have only taken courses in CSUN’s Tseng College since being disqualified.

All course work must be completed by:

• The end of the spring term before the fall semester in which you intend to enroll.
• The end of the summer term before the spring semester in which you intend to enroll.

For information on how to submit transcripts, see the I have applied - Next Steps section on this page.

Your request for readmission will be reviewed in the weeks following the date you submitted your Welcome Back Form.

You will be notified via CSUN email of your readmission decision as early as mid-April for fall admission and mid-November for spring admission. In progress course work and/or missing transcripts can delay the readmission review process.

After You Apply

• Reactivate your CSUN Portal and CSUN email account. 

1. Locate the “Activate CSUN User ID and Password” email sent to you by the Office of Admissions.
2. Visit the CSUN reset password page and enter your birthdate and your CSUN user ID, 9-digit student ID number, or CSUN email address. Select the Next button.
3. Once you select Next, an email or text message (your choice) with a temporary password will be sent to you.
4. Go to the CSUN Portal (login required).
   
5. On the account authentication screen, enter your CSUN user ID and the temporary password you received by email or text message.
6. Select Login.
7. For assistance, contact the CSUN IT Help Center.

• Check your application status in the CSUN Portal (login required) and review your complete and incomplete tasks in your CSUN Portal Checklist.
• Update your personal contact information if needed.
• Check your CSUN email often as it's our primary form of communication. If you forward your CSUN Gmail messages to another account:
• Be sure to add the CSUN sender's email address to your contact list.
• We recommend setting up automatic forwarding through your CSUN email account, where you’ll have the option to “Keep Gmail’s copy in the inbox.” Then, if a forwarded message is lost, you can still read the stored copy in CSUN email. Visit Gmail Help: Automatically forward mail to another email account.

Need help? Visit CSUN Account Information.

IMPORTANT — Send Us Your Transcripts

• Send us your official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN.
• Send preliminary, work-in-progress transcripts now. As soon as your in-progress course work is complete and grades are posted, send final transcripts.
• If your current college or university is your degree school, have the final official transcript sent when the degree has been posted.
• If you are returning in good academic standing and have not taken courses elsewhere since your last attendance at CSUN, no transcripts are required.
• If you were previously disqualified and have only taken courses in CSUN’s Tseng College since your disqualification, no transcripts are required.

All transcripts, preliminary and final, must be official.

• Electronic transcripts from California community colleges are preferred. Save time with eTranscript California.
• Paper transcripts must be received in sealed, unopened envelopes. Ask your previous schools to send your official transcripts directly to us.
• Please do not send identical, duplicate paper and electronic transcripts!
• Send official paper transcripts to:

California State University, Northridge
Office of the Registrar
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207

NOTE: If you attended CSUN before 1992 and submitted official transcripts for transfer courses at that time, you must submit new transfer course transcripts.

Transcript Deadlines

Official transcripts must be postmarked to the Office of the Registrar, or hand delivered to Records and Registration, Bayramian Hall Lobby, by the following due dates:

Important:

You must complete all course work by the terms below based on your intended semester of readmission.

Returning in good academic standing or on academic notice, complete course work by:

• The end of the spring term before the fall semester in which you intend to enroll.
• The end of the fall term before the spring semester in which you intend to enroll.

Returning as a previously disqualified student, complete course work by:

• The end of the spring term before the fall semester in which you intend to enroll.
• The end of summer term before the spring semester in which you intend to enroll.

Congratulations on your readmission to CSUN! Completing these steps will start you on the path to rejoining the CSUN family.

Step 1 - Submit Your Final Official Transcripts

Send your final, official transcripts as soon as your courses end and grades and degree (if applicable) are posted, but no later than the deadline for your semester of admission - by July 15 if you are applying for the fall semester and by Jan. 15 if you are applying for the spring semester. Send paper transcripts to the address below:

California State University, Northridge
Office of the Registrar
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207

Save time! If you are transferring course work from a California community college, please review eTranscript California.

Step 2 - Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

When deciding how to finance your CSUN education, account for your overall cost of attendance including basic tuition and fees, housing, transportation, books and personal expenses. Consider grants, loans, scholarships, part-time employment, savings and contributions from your family to make this investment affordable.

The CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website provides many resources for planning ways to finance your education.

Apply for Financial Aid

Federal and state financial aid programs (grants, part-time jobs and student loans) are awarded to students who apply and meet eligibility requirements.

To begin the financial aid application process:

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as soon as possible. TIPS:
• Be sure to use the IRS data retrieval option to reduce errors.
• Add CSUN's federal school code 001153 to your FAFSA college list.
• The FAFSA and CADAA applications open in December for the coming 2024-2025 academic year.
• If you’ve already submitted a FAFSA or CADAA application, log in to your account to add CSUN’s federal school code 001153 to the list of colleges you want to receive your information. Helpful: How do I add a college to my FAFSA form?
• File your FAFSA and CADAA applications by May 2 for priority consideration in the 2024-2025 academic year for California. You can request aid at any time and aid can be awarded all year long, but more aid is available if you apply by May 2.
• California residents should also file FAFSA or CAADA by May 2 to be considered for a State University Grant.

To apply for a Cal Grant:

• If you are a California resident applying for a new Cal Grant from the California Student Aid Commission, you must submit both the FAFSA or CADAA and your Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by May 2 to be considered for an award in the 2024-2025 academic year.
• You can apply for a Cal Grant at any time, however. Visit Cal Grant FAQs to learn more.
• If you already have a Cal Grant and want to renew it, you don’t have to complete the GPA Verification Form again. Just be sure to add CSUN’s federal school code 001153 to your FAFSA or CADAA application.

Apply for CSUN Scholarships

CSUN scholarships are competitive and each requires a separate application and essay. Review each scholarship's application requirements carefully.

To begin the CSUN scholarship application process:

• Go to myMatador Scholarships and login with your CSUN user ID and password.
• Submit a separate online application and essay for each scholarship for which you meet the eligibility requirements.

You will be notified of your eligibility by late spring. Check your CSUN Portal regularly for your application and award status and the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department website for additional scholarship opportunities posted throughout the year.

Apply for External Scholarships

Organizations other than CSUN award countless scholarships each year. Students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Review the off-campus scholarships website for more information.

Guidelines for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Priority Deadlines

Financial aid and scholarship applications are reviewed and aid is awarded throughout the year based on available funding. Some grant funds are limited, so apply early and submit documents as soon as requested.

Your Financial Aid Award and Disbursement

Log in to the CSUN Portal to view your financial aid award. If you are registered for classes and your aid is available, University Cash Services will apply financial aid funds to any charges on your account and issue refunds for any remaining amount. Sign up for eRefund by early August to receive your refund amount via direct deposit.

When your financial aid is disbursed, amounts due from basic tuition and fees and housing will be deducted automatically from your awarded aid. University Cash Services will send you an email and you may view the transactions in your student account.

Helpful: Financial aid guides and tutorials

Step 3 - Schedule an Academic Advisement Appointment

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to set up your academic plan before enrolling in classes. Advisement depends on your academic college and major. 

• Check your CSUN email regularly for advisement information.
• Find your advisor at I’m a Continuing Student.

Step 4 - Register for Classes

Look for your registration appointment in the CSUN Portal Checklist. Clear any registration holds before registering.

Learn about self-service registration with these resources:

• Register for Classes
• How-To Guides
• CSUN Portal Checklist Guide 
• Registration Calendar

Step 5 - Pay Tuition and Fees

Tuition and other fees are due at the time you register but no later than the deadline, which is about one week before weekday classes begin. Find the exact deadline by semester at payment due dates.

How to Pay Your Fees:

1. Log in to the CSUN Portal.
2. In the list of links below the Top Tools icons, select Make a Payment.
3. On the Student Account Information page, review your Current Balance Outstanding.
4. Select the CSUN Payment button.

For additional information, visit the Student Finance and University Cash Services website.

Please be aware of the student disclosure regarding the Schedule of Tuition and Other Fees.

Step 6 - Update Your Contact Information

So that we can keep in contact, please:

• Check your CSUN email often for the latest information.
• Verify your mailing address, phone number, alternate email address, emergency contacts and preferred pronouns in the CSUN Portal. Learn how at Update Personal Information.

Best wishes for your return to CSUN!