SB 640 – Establishes the California State University Direct Admission Program; Extends Dual Admissions Program for First-Time Freshman to the 2025-2026 Academic Year; and Requires that California Community Colleges Share Information Regarding the Program

Existing law establishes the California State University (CSU) system, which must maintain academic standards for admission and plan for adequate space for eligible California resident students.

SB 640 establishes the CSU Direct Admission Program, allowing high school graduates from participating areas to be automatically eligible for enrollment at designated CSU campuses. The bill provides that eligibility is assessed using data from CaliforniaColleges.edu, and students shall receive direct admission notices.

Furthermore, current law mandates a dual admissions program for first-time freshmen meeting certain criteria for guaranteed admission to a CSU campus, subject to completing transfer requirements within two years at a community college. SB 640 extends this program to the 2035–36 academic year, requiring completion within three years instead.

SB 640 also requires that California Community Colleges (CCCs) promote this program. The specification states that the CCCs must take the following actions to promote the program:

• Share information at new student orientation.
• Provide information through an annual email to the new students for each incoming fall term.
• Post information in an easily identifiable and accessible format on the campus website.
• Post information in counseling offices and transfer centers.

 (SB 640 amends Section 66744.1 of, and adds Section 66209 to, the Education Code.)