California State University-Sacramento

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

The campus sits in a park-like setting along the American River Parkway, a 32-mile trail system popular with joggers, cyclists, and kayakers. Students can leave class and be on the river within minutes, an amenity unusual for an urban university. The parkway connects to downtown Sacramento, making bike commuting practical for students living in midtown neighborhoods. The University Union serves as the hub of campus activity, housing dining options, meeting rooms, and student organization offices. The WELL, a modern recreation center, offers fitness facilities, an indoor track, and outdoor pools. Hornet athletics compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Sky Conference. Football games draw crowds to Hornet Stadium, where fall Saturday afternoons bring alumni back to campus. The men's basketball team plays at The Nest, a newer arena that has energized the program. Greek life has a visible presence, with about 40 fraternities and sororities organizing events throughout the year. But many students focus primarily on academics and jobs, commuting to campus for classes and leaving afterward. Creating community requires more intentional effort than at residential campuses. Student organizations number over 300, covering cultural groups, professional associations, and recreational clubs.

Location & Surroundings

Sacramento has transformed over the past two decades from a somewhat sleepy government town into a genuine city with its own cultural identity. The farm-to-fork movement took hold here before most places, with restaurants showcasing produce from Central Valley farms and Delta waterways. The Midtown neighborhood, a short drive or bike ride from campus, offers coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and galleries that draw young professionals and students alike. The Golden 1 Center hosts NBA basketball and major concerts, while older venues like the Crest Theatre show art films and independent music. The capital location means students can watch government in action. The State Capitol building welcomes visitors to observe legislative sessions, and protests and rallies on the Capitol grounds provide real-time lessons in civic engagement. San Francisco lies about 90 miles west, close enough for day trips but too far for regular commuting. Lake Tahoe is roughly two hours east, offering winter skiing and summer hiking in the Sierra Nevada. The Sacramento International Airport provides domestic connections and some international flights, making travel convenient for students from across the country. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, while winters bring mild temperatures and occasional fog.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition for California residents at Sacramento State runs about $7,500 per year, one of the most affordable options for a four-year degree in the state. Out-of-state students pay additional fees of roughly $400 per unit, bringing their total costs significantly higher. Room and board varies depending on whether you live on campus or find an apartment in the Sacramento area, where rental prices have risen sharply in recent years but remain below Bay Area levels. Financial aid through Cal Grants, Pell Grants, and institutional programs helps many students cover costs. The middle-class scholarship program provides additional support for families who earn too much for need-based aid but still struggle with college costs. Many students work part-time or full-time while attending school, taking advantage of job opportunities in government, healthcare, and the growing Sacramento economy. Graduates find employment in state agencies, school districts, hospitals, and private sector companies throughout the region. The alumni network in Sacramento is extensive, with Hornets holding positions throughout state government and local businesses. Career services connect current students with alumni mentors and employer partners.

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