By Jennifer K. Morita

April 08, 2026

More than 4,600 newly admitted Hornets and their families swarmed to Sac State for campus and housing tours, planetarium shows, Hornet Racing demonstrations, and other Admitted Student Day activities on April 18.

“Students can go see the rest, and then come here and see the best,” Director of Recruitment and Outreach Charles Cole said. “By the end of the day, they’ll want to say ‘yes’ to Sac State.”

Admitted Student Day, held annually in the spring, is a chance for families and students who have been accepted to Sac State to get a feel for campus life, connect with faculty and staff, and ask questions about enrolling for classes and applying for financial aid.

People from Sacramento, the Central Valley, Bay Area, and Southern California registered for this year's Admitted Student Day.

The number of students who committed to enrolling at Sac State rose 20 percent to 1,814 within 48 hours of Admitted Student Day, according to Cole.

Other activities at this year's event included demonstrations by Combat U students, an Intent to Enroll celebration photo station, and craft booths where students could make buttons and tote bags.

Shaquille O'Neal, general manager for men's basketball, filmed a video urging students to attend the fun event.

Admitted Student Day started in 2012 to involve families in the collecge selection process, and to give students a chance to connect with their intended college or explore options as they decide where to enroll.

“Students want to meet with their faculty and professors to get an idea of what it’s going to take to earn a degree from Sac State,” Cole said. “I’ve been doing this for a number of years, and they want to hear from professors.”

The University set records with the largest spring and fall enrollments in its history, according to enrollment census data released last month.

Applications to Sac State for Fall 2026 were also up compared to last year. As of April 7, about 39,271 students applied to Sac State, an increase of 2,140, according to Cole.

Prospective students have until May 1 to state their intent to enroll at Sac State.

“Quite a few students have already committed to Sac State, so for them it’s about solidifying their decision and helping them continue with the next steps such as registering for orientation, signing up for student housing,” Cole said.

“We also want to make it fun and exciting for the students who are still undecided, and we know it’s a family decision.”

This year’s event also included a parent lounge in the University Union Cottonwood Suite.

“We’re trying to give students everything they need and want to know about Sacramento State to assist them with a smooth transition and becoming part of our Hornet Family,” Cole said.

“We want them to know they’re joining a welcoming and caring and inclusive community.”