California State University-Long Beach
California State University-Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46.3%, an average net price of $9,426, and an overall rank of #213 (Grade A-). About 70.3% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $66,461 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
California State University-Long Beach is a public university in Long Beach, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, and 86.8% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 144.3%, roughly 94.4 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is California State University-Long Beach Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California State University-Long Beach graduates 70.3% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 81.3% and keeps 86.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California State University-Long Beach's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $13,500 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,338 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,590 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,382 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,538 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,926 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 53.9% of California State University-Long Beach students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,443 to $19,919 depending on family income. Use California State University-Long Beach's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,462/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,919/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $66,461
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,554
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $14,195
- Debt-to-Earnings ~21.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.7%
- Employment Rate 91.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California State University-Long Beach graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
California State University-Long Beach vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California State University-Long Beach's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California State University-Long Beach's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Long Beach graduates report median earnings of $66,461 five years after graduation, 8% above the national median. The 144.3% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 35,924
- Full-Time Students 85.4%
- Part-Time Students 14.6%
- Retention Rate 86.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 70.3%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 81.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 23:1
How to Get Into California State University-Long Beach
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California State University-Long Beach requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 46.3%, California State University-Long Beach is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Long Beach accepts 46.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California State University-Long Beach undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Fine and Studio Arts draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.4%
- Psychology, General 6.8%
- Fine and Studio Arts 5.2%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.8%
- Computer Science 3.5%
- Biology, General 3.5%
See more majors
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Gener 3.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $116,568
- 2. Computer Engineering $113,047
- 3. Construction Engineering Technology/Technician $111,652
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering $108,655
- 5. Computer Science $107,571
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $103,068
- 7. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering $101,795
- 8. Civil Engineering $98,948
- 9. Chemical Engineering $96,739
- 10. Physics $90,996
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $138,374
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $134,454
- 3. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other (Master's Degree) $129,280
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $120,714
- 5. Applied Mathematics (Master's Degree) $117,243
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $112,608
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $111,212
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $107,627
- 9. Mathematics (Master's Degree) $104,481
- 10. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $102,446
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $116,568—28% more than Physics ($90,996). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $138,374 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for California State University-Long Beach. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 1,359 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 597 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 456 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 332 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 306 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (77 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Civil Engineering
- History
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Apparel and Textiles
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Music
- Journalism
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Dance
- International/Globalization Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Statistics
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Manufacturing Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Engineering, General
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (65 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Psychology, General
- Public Health
- English Language and Literature, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Music
- Geography and Cartography
- Biology, General
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Civil Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Chemical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Physics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Philosophy
- Gerontology
- Chemistry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Area Studies
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, General
- Dance
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Sustainability Studies
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Data Analytics
- Construction Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (17 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Special Education and Teaching
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Biotechnology
- Public Administration
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Gerontology
- Geography and Cartography
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 35,924
- Full-Time Students 85.4%
- Part-Time Students 14.6%
- Male Students 41.4%
- Female Students 58.6%
- Caucasian 14.4%
- Asian 19.9%
- Hispanic 52.5%
- Black 4.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 53.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California State University-Long Beach's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California State University-Long Beach's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-Long Beach support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-Long Beach, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Long Beach has a diverse student body, with 14.4% identifying as White. 53.9% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-Long Beach support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-Long Beach, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California State University-Long Beach serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #213 overall with a 144.3% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $9,426 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $66,461 median earnings. The 70.3% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 86.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: California State University-Long Beach's Strengths
Ranked #213 with an A- grade, California State University-Long Beach prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like California State University-Long Beach excel at providing affordable education ($9,426 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: California State University-Long Beach's 86.8% retention and 70.3% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($66,461 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, California State University-Long Beach's 144.3% ROI and $9,426 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 70.3% graduation rate sits 7.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.8% first-year retention is 10.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 144.3% return on investment is 94.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $66,461 run about 8% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $9,426 is roughly $10,455 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 23:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years sits 23.5 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
California State University-Long Beach is a public university based in Long Beach, CA and earns an A- overall grade. It is currently ranked #213 overall Completion earns A-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 86.8% retention, 70.3% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 81.3% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 144.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,426 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,926.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,500 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,195 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 53.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Five years after graduation, graduates earn roughly $66,461 at the median. This is roughly 8% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.7%.
Plan around an ROI of about 144.3% according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
46.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California State University-Long Beach admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). California State University-Long Beach: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/california-state-university-long-beach/
MLA (9th): “California State University-Long Beach: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/california-state-university-long-beach/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “California State University-Long Beach: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/california-state-university-long-beach/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is California State University-Long Beach's acceptance rate?
California State University-Long Beach's acceptance rate is 46.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does California State University-Long Beach cost?
At California State University-Long Beach, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $9,426 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $22,926 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $8,338. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is California State University-Long Beach's ranking?
California State University-Long Beach ranks #213 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is California State University-Long Beach's graduation rate?
At California State University-Long Beach, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 70.3% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 81.3%, and first-year retention is 86.8%.
What are California State University-Long Beach's job outcomes?
Graduates of California State University-Long Beach report median earnings of $66,461 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is California State University-Long Beach's student population?
California State University-Long Beach enrolls about 35,924 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115
- Website www.csulb.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$115.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate2.0%