Understanding Direct Admissions in College - Nationally Growing

[Summary]

Overview of Direct Admissions

• Definition: Direct admissions allow colleges to admit students automatically—before they apply—based on criteria like GPA.

• Goal: Increase college enrollment, especially among students unsure about applying or unaware they qualify.

• Nationwide Trend: At least 15 states now use direct admissions, including California, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Washington.

Minnesota’s Program

• Launched in 2022; about half of public high schools currently participate.

• Positive results:

  • 76% of participating students filed FAFSA (vs. 50% statewide).

  • 46% enrolled in a Minnesota college (vs. 28% from non-participating schools).

• Enrollment impact: Minnesota State system saw a 4.2% increase this fall, reversing 15 years of decline.

• Participating institutions:

  • 26 community colleges, 7 four-year universities, most of the University of Minnesota campuses (except Twin Cities), 17 private universities, and tribal colleges.

• Admission tiers: Students with ≥3.0 GPA are admitted to top-tier colleges; requirements lower for less selective ones.

  
  

Example: Minnesota State University, Mankato

• A senior was admitted before applying, confirming her decision to attend.

• Mankato offered direct admission to 971 students last year; 127 enrolled.

• Campus: 14,000 students, 80 miles south of Minneapolis, popular majors include nursing and business.

• Campus design allows movement between buildings via tunnels in winter.

California’s Expansion

• New law (SB 640) signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom expands direct admissions statewide for California State University (CSU) campuses.

• Students meeting CSU requirements will be automatically admitted to one of 16 campuses (excluding selective ones like Cal Poly SLO).

• University of California system not participating.

• Pilot success: Riverside County direct admissions boosted first-year enrollment by 6% for 2025.

• Participating CSU campuses include San Bernardino, Chico, Humboldt, San Francisco, San Marcos, and others.

Disclaimer: This article provides a summary of a news originally published by Michael Burke on October 23, 2025, via EdSource. All rights to the original content are retained by the respective authors and publisher. This summary is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be viewed as a substitute for professional legal advice or a full reading of the original article. The summarizer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. For the full and original article, please visit: https://edsource.org/2025/california-expanding-direct-admissions/743523