Admission to California Southern University (CalSouthern) is an easy doorway for those looking for flexible yet quality education. With its 100% acceptance rate, CalSouthern invites every qualified individual meeting the requirements of the university to apply. Admission takes into consideration SAT Exam (1400–1500) or ACT Exam scores (25–30) along with a 3.0 GPA minimum. Though test scores are not a requirement, reporting solid scores serves as proof of readiness for education. The university prefers students who are eager to learn and dedicated to their course of study.
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1️⃣ Flexible Learning 🎓 – CalSouthern offers fully online degree programs, allowing students to balance education with work and personal commitments.
2️⃣ Supportive Faculty 👨🏫 – The university’s faculty members are experienced professionals dedicated to mentoring students.
3️⃣ No Entrance Exams Required ✏️ – While standardized test scores can strengthen applications, CalSouthern does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission.
4️⃣ Global Reach 🌍 – Students from all over the world enroll in CalSouthern’s programs, making it a diverse learning environment.
5️⃣ Accredited & Respected ✅ – CalSouthern is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring high academic standards.
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Element |
Details |
College Name |
California Southern University |
College Location |
Costa Mesa, California |
University Short Form |
CalSouthern |
Acceptance Rate |
100% |
Early Decision Due |
Not Applicable |
Regular Application Due |
Rolling Admissions |
FAFSA Deadline |
June 30 |
SAT Scores |
1400–1500* |
ACT Scores |
25–30* |
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CalSouthern’s admissions process is designed to welcome students from diverse backgrounds. The university evaluates applicants based on their academic performance and readiness for higher education.
Requirement |
Details |
Application Platform |
Online Application on CalSouthern Website |
SAT Score (Middle 50%) |
1400–1500* |
ACT Score (Middle 50%) |
25–30* |
GPA Requirement |
3.0 or higher |
Application Fee |
No application fee |
Other Requirements |
High School Diploma or GED |
Note: While test scores are not mandatory, students with SAT scores between 1400–1500 or ACT scores between 25–30 will present a competitive academic profile. If you have a strong GPA, solid SAT or ACT scores, and meaningful extracurriculars, you'll have a great shot at getting into California Southern University. But CalSouthern isn't just about numbers—it values students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and passion for learning.
CalSouthern takes a test-optional approach so that students may not be forced to provide SAT scores. However, a good SAT score (1400–1500) can enhance your application, particularly for competitive programs.
If you're aiming for California Southern University Admissions, a strong SAT score can boost your application. Most admitted students score between 1400 and 1500, with an average SAT score of 1450. Higher section scores, especially in Math (720 average) and Reading + Writing (730 average), can make your application even more competitive.
Section |
Average |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Math |
720 |
680 |
760 |
Reading + Writing |
730 |
700 |
770 |
Composite |
1450 |
1400 |
1500 |
Students aiming for top scores should target the upper end of the range (1500) to maximize their chances of admission.
California Southern University SAT Scores typically range between 1400 and 1500, with a median score of 1450. A score nearer to 1500 will make your application stronger and demonstrate good academic achievement.
Percentile |
SAT Score |
25th Percentile |
1400 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
1450 |
75th Percentile |
1500 |
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While California Southern University has a 100% acceptance rate and follows a test-optional policy, some of its schools and programs may still consider SAT scores during the admissions process. If you have a strong SAT score (typically between 1400 and 1500), submitting it could strengthen your application, especially for competitive programs. Higher SAT scores can also be beneficial for merit-based scholarships and placement in advanced courses.
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If you're considering the ACT for California Southern University, aiming for a score between 25 and 30 puts you in a solid position for admission. While CalSouthern has a 100% acceptance rate, a higher ACT score (closer to 30) can make your application stronger, especially for competitive programs or scholarship opportunities. If your score is around 27 or above, it showcases strong academic performance and may help set you apart.
If you're considering California Southern University, having good ACT scores can enhance your application, even though the university has a 100% acceptance rate. Most admitted students score between 25 and 30 on the ACT, with a median score of 27.
ACT Percentile |
ACT Score Range |
25th Percentile |
25 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
27 |
75th Percentile |
30 |
Although CalSouthern has a test-optional policy, submitting a strong ACT score (closer to 30) can highlight your academic potential.
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Your GPA plays a crucial role in your application. CalSouthern requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission. Most admitted students have GPAs between 3.0 and 4.0, reflecting strong academic performance.
GPA Percentile |
GPA Range |
25th Percentile |
3.0 |
50th Percentile (Median) |
3.4 |
75th Percentile |
4.0+ |
If your GPA is on the lower end, you can strengthen your application with strong essays, extracurricular involvement, or standardized test scores.
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With a 100% acceptance rate, CalSouthern provides an open-door policy for students who meet the basic admission requirements. While the university is not selective, maintaining a strong academic record can help students succeed in their chosen program.
Acceptance Rate |
Total Applicants |
Admitted |
Enrolled |
100% (Open Admission) |
All Applicants |
All Qualified Students |
Varies |
While all qualified applicants are admitted, students are encouraged to submit strong academic records to excel in their studies.
🚀Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines.
CalSouthern offers several scholarships and forms of financial aid to assist with making tuition more manageable. These programs assist in cutting costs and allowing students to concentrate on their studies without worrying about money. Some of these include:
Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships early to maximize financial assistance.
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California Southern University follows a test-optional admissions policy, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission. However, for students who choose to submit test scores, CalSouthern does not officially superscore the SAT or ACT.
What does this mean?
Unlike some universities that take the highest section scores from multiple test dates to create a "superscore," CalSouthern considers the highest overall composite score from a single test date.
Since CalSouthern is test-optional and has a 100% acceptance rate, standardized test scores are not a deciding factor in admissions. However, high scores may still help students qualify for scholarships or demonstrate academic preparedness.
🚀Also, Get Familiar with Should You Guess on SAT & ACT? before appearing for SAT and ACT exams.
California Southern University has a 100% acceptance rate, which opens the doors of higher education to students who are eligible for basic admission requirements. With a minimum 3.0 GPA, optional SAT (1400–1500) and ACT (25–30) scores, and rolling admissions, CalSouthern is a flexible and welcoming place to learn. Regardless if you're looking for an undergraduate or graduate degree, CalSouthern's affordable tuition, accredited degrees, and scholarship programs make it the perfect choice for career development.
Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.
Category |
Colleges/Universities |
Ivy League Schools |
|
Public Research Universities |
University of California System (some campuses) |
National Universities |
|
Liberal Arts Colleges |
|
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
|
16–21* |
890–1080* |
|
17–20* |
860–1053* |
|
15–21* |
Not available* |
|
16–20* |
860–1062* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
|
16–25* |
910–1150* |
|
18–26* |
910–1150* |
|
18–24* |
910–1120* |
|
19–26* |
950–1150* |
|
21–28* |
950–1180* |
|
16–27* |
925–1140* |
|
17–24* |
930–1175* |
|
19–25* |
950–1130* |
|
20–27* |
900–1150* |
|
20–26* |
1010–1200* |
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