California Legacy Admissions Ban
- Ishaan Satija
- Oct 3
- 1 min read
Intro
California is taking direct aim at legacy and donor preferences in college admissions. For first generation and low-income students, this is meant to remove one tilted piece of the playing field.
What Changed
Beginning in September 2025, private nonprofit colleges in California are barred from giving preference to applicants because of family ties or donations. Admissions offices must remove legacy and donor status from the factors they consider. Students whose parents never attended college will no longer compete against classmates who start with a formal legacy boost at those schools. Colleges that leaned on legacy to strengthen alumni ties will have to find other ways to keep that support.
What to Watch Next
Watch admissions data over the next few years to see whether the share of first generation and underrepresented students grows. Also watch whether other states copy this approach or whether some schools try to challenge or sidestep the ban.
