California State University sees modest enrollment growth amid lingering challenges

California State Universitys preliminary fall 2025 enrollment reached around 465,000, marking a modest increase of 4,000 students. Growth was driven by in-state students and transfer applicants, aided by targeted outreach programs, while out-of-state and international numbers declined. The uneven recovery reflects demographic shifts, policy challenges, and post-pandemic adjustments, underscoring the complex balance public universities face today.