History
Founded as Sacramento State College on Sept. 22, 1947, during a time of intense demand for higher education after World War II, Sacramento State shared space with Sacramento Junior College. Sacramento State's first semester of classes consisted of 235 students enrolled in 44 sections.
Education
Our deep roots, commitment to community engagement, and collective efforts allow the University to promote, facilitate and advance community building and economic prosperity in a manner that is both beneficial to students and our community.
Research
Our mission is to enhance University effectiveness with information and research to support planning and budgeting, assessment, accreditation, policy formation, and decision making.
Career
The goal of career counseling at the Career Center is to help students learn how to make informed decisions in their educational and career choices. Those decisions should reflect students’ personal goals, values, and interests, and should lead toward satisfying academic work in their major and a fulfilling career. Services:
- Choosing or changing a major or career path
- Finding and applying for internships and other experiential learning opportunities
- Learning job search strategies
California State University Sacramento Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1279 Ranking
- 149 Scholarships
- 1,258 Academic Staff
- 31,451 Students
- 1,258 Students (int'l)
- 17,527 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
California State University Sacramento Overview
California State University Sacramento Scholarships
California State University Sacramento Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to California State University Sacramento. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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California State University Sacramento Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 51 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1066 | 1228 | 1279 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
Sacramento State is committed to creating an environment where students can achieve success. We implemented a number of initiatives centered on improving graduation rates, including Finish in Four and Through in Two campaigns, predictive analytics, and enhanced advising and course scheduling.
Housing services
With more than 50 departments and programs, we strive to provide comprehensive administrative services, academic support and a vibrant campus life experience for our students.
Library services
The library is open an average of 97 hours per week with an annual circulation of over 306,594 items. Approximately 1,400 reference transactions occurred in a typical week. About 43,000 people entered the Library per week
Medical services
SHCS offers quality healthcare provided by a multidisciplinary team of medical and mental health professionals dedicated to making healthcare accessible and affordable for students through ethically sound practice, confidentiality and integrity. SHCS is committed to quality care and service delivery and is accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Campus life
As the sixth-largest campus of the 23 state universities in California, the main campus is composed of 305 acres (123 ha) in the city of Sacramento and lies adjacent to U.S. Route 50.
Sports facilities
- Football, Men's and Women's Track & Field
- Weight Room, Athletic Training, Football and Track & Field Locker Rooms
- Men's and Women's Basketball, Gymnastics, Volleyball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Men's and Women's Soccer
- Rowing
- Men's and Women's Tennis
- Beach Volleyball
Student clubs
Sacramento State has a wide selection of social and academic clubs and organizations. Each are dedicated to help students of similar interests bond together by common goals and aspirations. They make up a wide range of opportunities to be involved. They often represent national, international, local and regional organizations. Some also promote certain cultures or multiculturalism as well as political and recreational.
Accreditation
Since 1951, the university has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
California State University Sacramento Campus Locations
California State University Sacramento Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 8 reviews
- 5 Star 0 Reviews
- 4 Star 6 Reviews
- 3 Star 2 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Not ideal for commuter students
This University has some really great teachers. I haven't had a single bad experience with anyone on campus as of yet. The campus is also quite beautiful. Parking is really tight and you'll want to arrive early to ensure that you're able to find a parking space and get to class on time. The school has lots of squirrels on its campus and one of my favorite places is the Vivarium.
Study experience in a Spanish University
I'd summarise my study experience as very fulfilling, I learnt many useful things that i'll definitely use when i'm out working in the real world. I also made great friendships with colleagues from university many of which i know for certain i'll keep in contact with.
First Semester at CSU Sacramento
Overall my university experience had been good. I am only in my first year so I have not really gotten in to my degree. Most of the general education classes are boing, but necessary.