California State University (CSU) is a public university system, not a private institution. It is one of the three higher education systems in California, alongside the University of California (UC) and the California Community Colleges. CSU receives state funding and operates under government oversight, offering affordable tuition compared to private universities.
With 23 campuses across California, CSU focuses on accessible education, research, and workforce preparation. It serves over 485,000 students, emphasizing undergraduate and graduate programs. As a public institution, CSU prioritizes in-state students but also admits out-of-state and international applicants.