California to ban legacy admissions at private colleges starting 2025

California will ban private colleges and universities from giving special admissions consideration to applicants with family ties to the institution, a practice known as legacy preferences. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation on Monday, marking a significant shift in admissions policies at elite private schools like Stanford University and the University of Southern California (USC). The law, which takes effect in fall 2025, is part of a broader effort to make college admissions more equitable.

This move comes as schools nationwide are adjusting their admissions rules following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against race-based considerations in 2023. While public institutions in California have long prohibited legacy preferences, private colleges continued to offer special consideration to alumni descendants and major donors’ families.

Governor Newsom emphasized that admissions should be based on "merit, skill, and hard work" rather than family connections, stating that the California Dream should be accessible to all. Assembly member Phil Ting, who authored the bill, highlighted the importance of leveling the playing field to enhance diversity in higher education.


Private institutions have argued that legacy preferences do not compromise academic standards. However, reports show that around 14% of admitted students at Stanford and USC had legacy ties in 2022, raising concerns about fairness. With California joining Maryland as the second state to ban legacy admissions at private schools, the law signals a significant shift in how elite colleges will admit students in the future.

The impact on admissions diversity remains to be seen, but institutions like Johns Hopkins University, which ended legacy preferences years ago, have reported increases in first-generation and low-income students.