CSUN Academic Calendar

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many public universities in California. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session for accelerated coursework or additional credits. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-to-late January and ends in mid-May. CSUN also offers a brief Winter Intersession in January for intensive short-term courses, providing students with flexibility to catch up or get ahead in their studies.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated). Classes begin with a week of orientation for new students.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. Campus closed for the national holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (estimated). Extended break for students and faculty.
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–19, 2025 (estimated). End of semester assessments.
• Winter Intersession: January 5–23, 2026 (estimated). Optional short-term courses.
• Spring Semester Start: January 26, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 30–April 5, 2026 (estimated). Week-long recess for students.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (exact dates TBD). Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Application Period Opens: October 1, 2024. Start of applications for Fall 2025 admission via the Cal State Apply portal.
• Priority Application Deadline: November 30, 2024. Early submission recommended for competitive programs.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 28, 2025 (estimated). Final date for most undergraduate applications.
• Admission Decision Notifications: March–April 2025 (estimated). Applicants informed of acceptance or waitlist status.
• Commitment Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Deadline to accept offer of admission and submit enrollment deposit.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2025 (estimated). Recommended date for FAFSA submission to maximize aid opportunities.

CSUN’s academic calendar aligns closely with other California State University system schools and broader national norms for semester-based institutions, with key holidays like Thanksgiving and Labor Day integrated into the schedule. The inclusion of a Winter Intersession offers notable flexibility, particularly for international students or those balancing work and study, allowing them to complete coursework outside traditional semesters. Additionally, the admissions timeline adheres to standard cycles for public universities in California, ensuring accessibility for a diverse applicant pool. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact deadlines as they become available.