A new California law will allow qualified high school graduates automatic admission into any of the 16 California State Universities, including California State University, Monterey Bay, starting in 2026.The law, known as the “CSU Direct Admission Program,” was signed earlier this week and aims to reduce the stress of college admissions by providing students a direct path into schools like CSU Monterey Bay across California. High school students who meet Cal State requirements will automatically be accepted into one of the 16 CSU campuses without needing to apply. The program’s goal is to help more students continue their education, particularly first-generation and low-income students who may face more barriers in accessing higher education.Within the next year, CSU Monterey Bay could see significant growth, but this raises questions about how the school will manage increased demand for housing and other resources. Despite the new law, campuses like CSU Monterey Bay will still control how many students they admit based on available space.

SEASIDE, Calif. —

A new California law will allow qualified high school graduates automatic admission into any of the 16 California State Universities, including California State University, Monterey Bay, starting in 2026.

The law, known as the “CSU Direct Admission Program,” was signed earlier this week and aims to reduce the stress of college admissions by providing students a direct path into schools like CSU Monterey Bay across California.

High school students who meet Cal State requirements will automatically be accepted into one of the 16 CSU campuses without needing to apply.

The program’s goal is to help more students continue their education, particularly first-generation and low-income students who may face more barriers in accessing higher education.

Within the next year, CSU Monterey Bay could see significant growth, but this raises questions about how the school will manage increased demand for housing and other resources.

Despite the new law, campuses like CSU Monterey Bay will still control how many students they admit based on available space.