How to Apply to or Learn More About Cal State East Bay (CSUEB)

Updated

Cal State East Bay gives prospective students three direct paths to engage: Apply Now and Request Information on the website, and Preview Day, a free in-person event for prospective students, families, and the community at the Hayward campus. Which one fits you depends on where you are in the process — ready to apply, still gathering details, or wanting to see the campus before deciding.

Start With the Action That Matches Your Stage

Your situation Best first step What it gets you
Ready to submit an application Apply Now Entry point to the application process
Comparing options or need program details Request Information School follows up with information tailored to your interest
Want to experience campus before deciding Register for Preview Day Free event at the Hayward campus for prospective students, families, and the community

All three are listed on the CSUEB homepage, so you don't need to hunt through menus to find them.

Applying to Cal State East Bay

The site's Apply Now option is the starting point for admission. CSUEB describes itself as built for "real students with real lives" — working students, transfers, returning students, and first-time students — with transfer-friendly pathways and flexible formats across nearly 130 programs.

Before you apply, decide which audience you fall into, because the site separates its offerings into four tracks:

  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Online
  • Professional & Continuing Education

Each track has its own requirements and application route, so pick your track first, then follow the Apply Now path for it.

Requesting Information Instead of Applying

If you're not ready to apply, use Request Information. This is the better choice when you want to:

  • Compare programs before committing
  • Understand which format (in-person, online, or a mix) fits your schedule
  • Get details on support services before making a decision

The site frames support as part of the journey rather than an add-on, covering academic support, health and wellness, housing, and financial resources — useful things to ask about when the school follows up.

Attending Preview Day

Cal State East Bay Preview Day is described as a free event for prospective students, families, and the community, held on the Hayward campus. A listed date is Saturday, October 24.

At Preview Day you can explore:

  • Academic programs
  • Student support services
  • Campus resources
  • Student life

Registration is required — the site provides a Register for Preview Day link. This is the most complete way to evaluate fit if you're deciding between schools or want to see the campus in person.

Exploring Campus Options and Next Steps

CSUEB operates across more than one location and format, so confirm which one matches your program:

  • Hayward main campus — the primary location and site of Preview Day
  • Concord Center — a separate physical location
  • Online learning options — for students who need flexibility

After you've picked a location and format, the natural next steps are to explore academic programs, support services, and student life. The site also highlights outcomes that may matter in your decision: 62.5% of undergraduates are first-generation students, the university ranks in the top 2% nationally for social mobility, and it has 150,000+ alumni.

Common Questions Before You Act

Do I need to apply before requesting information? No — Request Information and Apply Now are separate options. Use Request Information if you're still deciding.

Is Preview Day only for applicants? No. It's open to prospective students, families, and the community, and it's free.

Which campus should I visit? Preview Day is at the Hayward campus. If you're considering the Concord Center or online learning, explore those options separately through the site.

How many programs can I choose from? Nearly 130, across undergraduate, graduate, online, and professional/continuing education tracks.