While in the area recently, I visited California State University, Channel Islands.
A few takeaways from my visit:
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is located in the foothills of Ventura County, halfway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. There are 5,100 students at CSUCI, and 60% of them are the first in their family to earn a college degree. Named for the nearby Channel Islands, the university operates a research station on Santa Rosa Island where students of every major can participate in learning opportunities (a 2-hour boat trip from campus)
Only three CSU campuses offer a major in Mechatronics Engineering, and CSUCI is one of them. This engineering field combines computer hardware, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Other popular majors include Psychology, Business, Health Science, and Nursing.
The university offers housing for both first-year and transfer students, with 40% of students taking advantage of on-campus living options. Like many of the CSU campuses, the university serves a large percentage of local students who commute daily to campus.
While I had heard of CSUCI before my visit, I knew little about it and did not know what to expect. I thought it was a gem - beautiful, flat campus with Spanish mission style architecture, friendly and welcoming Admissions staff and students, and lots of great things to do from outdoor activities (campus boating center!) to intramurals and close beach access. It’s easy to apply to CSUCI and any of the other 22 CSU campuses on the California State University application.
Go Dolphins!
Visiting the youngest of the CSU campuses, Channel Islands (est 2002)