The Cagayan State University (CSU) is the largest state institution of higher learning in the Cagayan Valley Region, in terms of enrollment and number of curricular program offerings. The University was established through Presidential Decree 1436, later amended by Republic Act 8292 by the integration of all publicly supported higher education institutions in the province of Cagayan.

The university is composed of eight(8) campuses in the growth areas in the three congressional districts of Cagayan; the Aparri, Lal-Lo and Gonzaga campuses in the 1st District; the Piat, Lasam and Sanchez-Mira campuses in the 2nd District; and in the 3rd District, the Andrews and Carig campuses in Tuguegarao City. Each campus is headed by an Executive Officer (CEO) except in Andrews Campus where the University President concurrently acts as the CEO. The seat of governance of the university is at the Andrews Campus, where the central administration holds office.

The university offers courses in liberal arts, social sciences, law, medicine and allied professions, business and economics, natural sciences, engineering, technology, agriculture and fisheries and teaching, among others. It offers the most graduate and undergraduate courses of all the universities in the province of Cagayan.

In March 2012, Dr. Romeo R. Quilang, former President of the Isabela State University (ISU), was elected by the CSU Board of Regents to serve as the CSU System's fourth president.

The University serves the INDIVIDUAL by providing the student with a nurturing environment for optimal human flourishing. It serves the COMMUNITY by offering programs responsive to individual and social needs.

The Cagayan State University shall be recognized by the entire region and the nation as a credible and distinguished center of higher education in Northern Luzon. It shall likewise establish its own niche in the global academic community. It shall endeavor to improve from its previous best, showing that it enjoys the leading edge in all that pertains to education.

Students shall not be denied admission to the University by reason of race, age, sex, socio-economic status, religion, political affiliation, or ideological conviction provided he is physically and mentally fit.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate Transcript of Records
• Prescribed weighted average by the college
• Passing rate in the admission test
• Copy of scholarship contract for scholars

Entering freshmen desiring to enroll in any of the degree courses must qualify in the CSU Admission test administered in all the campuses. The following are the requirements:

• A passing rate in the CSU Admission Test
• Form 138 or HS card
• Certificate of Good Moral Character from head of school or guidance counselor
• Police clearance and Barangay clearance
• Five (5) copies I.D. picture
• Birth certificate (photocopy)

Students from other institutions of higher learning may be admitted to the University subject to the following rules on academic affairs:

• A transfer student shall take the College Admission Test (CAT) if classified first year in the first semester. However, if he has satisfied all the academic requirements for first year, he shall take the qualifying exam (QE).
• He must satisfy the weighted average prescribed by the college;
• Only comparable basic subjects shall be credited;
• He must finish 60% of the total units of his academic degree immediately preceding graduation;
• He must submit an honorable dismissal, police clearance, a certification of good moral character, and a referral letter from a previous professor.

Academic degree from any institution of recognized standing may be enrolled as determined by the College Dean. However, before a student is allowed to major in any discipline, the College Dean/Department Chairman concerned may prescribe additional general education and/or preparatory courses for the mejor field.

Foreign students may be admitted to any academic program of the University subject to some requirements as for Filipino nationals; Provided that they qualify in the language medium of instruction; provided further, that Filipino applicants have priority over them; and provided finally that a reciprocal agreement exists between the foreigner's country and the Philippines.