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Discover Sacramento State

California’s Capital University Awaits

Choosing where to earn your degree is a big step. Sacramento State offers affordable excellence, hands-on learning, and a welcoming campus in the heart of California. As the sixth-largest of 22 California State University (CSU) campuses, Sac State is both beautiful and diverse—a place where green spaces, big ideas, and limitless opportunities come together.

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Hornet Excellence

Driven by discovery, powered by passion, and leading with purpose.

Quick Facts

Students Come First

With more than 180 different degree programs across eight colleges, Sacramento State offers enriching classes taught by top experts, along with personalized support and resources that put students first. In fact, the graduation rate has increased by 256% in the past 10 years.

President Wood at podium at commencement with faculty graphic overlay

Hands-On Learning

With a 23:1 faculty-student ratio, and an average class size of 32, students benefit from direct interaction with their professors and a level of attention that transforms their education experience into meaningful career opportunities.

Professor at podium in class with 23:1 faculty/student ratio infographic

Academic Excellence

Recognized for its high research activity and academic excellence, Sacramento State has notable and high-profile programs in many areas, including criminal justice, political science, artificial intelligence, business, healthcare, natural sciences, engineering, communications, arts, and many more.

Science class with R2 designation overlay

A Place of Belonging

Sacramento State is a welcoming community dedicated to ensuring that all students are supported, respected, and valued, empowering them to thrive both academically and personally. The University is a designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (ANNAPISI), Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and Black-Serving Institution (BSI).

Group of students at commencement with #2 most diverse ranking overlay

Tough Competitors

Sacramento State has one of the largest NCAA Division I athletics programs in the California State University (CSU) system, one that has produced 106 conference championships in multiple men’s and women’s sports in recent years. Additionally, students can participate in dozens of competitive sports clubs and intramural sports leagues.

Herky at football game with 21 intercollegiate sports overlay

Education That Elevates

Through its commitment to affordability and student success, Sac State helps students move up in income and opportunity after graduation. Graduates build rewarding careers in healthcare, technology, education, politics, and more—turning their degrees into lasting success.

Students walking on campus in fall with top 10 social mobility overlay

Annual Tuition and Financial Aid

Annual tuition

A college education is a significant investment, and we’re committed to helping make it accessible and affordable. Below is a breakdown of annual tuition costs, along with information about financial aid and scholarships that support our students.

tuition infographic

Financial aid and scholarships

At Sacramento State, 85% of students receive financial aid, and 54% are Pell Grant-eligible. Each year, students are awarded $410 million in financial aid, $3.7 million in department and institutional scholarships, and $3.0 million in community scholarships.

tuition infographic

Sacramento Is A Vibe

California Living

Named the best place to live in California by Forbes Magazine in 2023, Sacramento’s 250 days of sunshine per year and its unique and inviting spirit make it a great place to live, study, work, and play.

Aerial shot of downtown Sacramento

Miles of Trails, Endless Discovery

Sacramento's natural beauty and climate are perfect for students who love the outdoors. With 189 miles of bike paths, nine rivers and lakes, and 4,700 acres of parks, there are endless ways to ride, run, and explore.

Mountain biker with sun

Where Fresh Meets Fun

Sacramento blends urban excitement with local charm—where the Farm-to-Fork movement meets a buzzing social scene of music, festivals, and nightlife. It’s a city that feels built for young adults on the rise.

Crowd at midtown farmers market

Sacramento Proud

Professional sports fuel local pride and enthusiasm. The slogan, “Sacramento Proud” can be heard and experienced while cheering for the Kings, Sacramento Republic FC, River Cats, and the A's, who are temporarily calling Sacramento home.

Girl posing with Herky at Sacramento Republic FC game

Ideal Northern California Location

Just 90 minutes from both San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, and close to Napa Valley, Yosemite, and other world-renowned destinations, Sacramento's central location within California is convenient for travel and exciting weekend getaways or day trips.

Photo of San Francisco and mountains

Facts and Figures

No. 9 Top Performer on Social Mobility in the West U.S. News & World Report 2025
R2 Research Institution Carnegie Foundation 2025
No. 8 Best Bang for the Buck for Western Colleges Washington Monthly 2023
2nd Most Diverse Campus in the West Wall Street Journal 2023
9th Most Transformative College Money.com 2022
Most Engaged Campus - Student Voting "All In" Campus Democracy Challenge