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California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA·Public·35,924 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want a major research university experience. no major red flags in the data. 50% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

46%
Accept
35,924
Students
$10,440
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$53,000
Earnings
10 yr
$14,289
Debt

About This School

California State University-Long Beach is a public institution located in Long Beach, California with approximately 35,924 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 46% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $10,440 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $53,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

California State University, Long Beach, also known in athletics as Long Beach State University (LBSU), is a public research university in Long Beach, California, United States. The 322-acre campus is the second largest in the California State University system (CSU).

This is a strong option for cost-conscious students in Southern California — at just $8,931/year after aid and a median debt of only $12,227 at graduation, it's one of the more affordable paths through a large public university. The 70% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional for a school with an 85% freshman retention rate, suggesting some students hit roadblocks between year one and finishing. If you're aiming for a practical degree with manageable debt, it's worth a serious look — just go in with a plan to stay on track academically.

Founded
1949
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$12,276

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Visual & Performing Arts11%
Engineering9%
Psychology8%
Social Sciences7%
Health Professions7%
Communications6%
Biological Sciences5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Steven SpielbergRichard BachSteve MartinThe UndertakerJames LaffertyChris CarterGeorge GervinStan WinstonJoe JohnstonClarence GilyardWendi McLendon-CoveyBasil Poledouris

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

What This School Looks For

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,950
Avg Net Price
$10,440
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$7,183
$30–48k$7,831
$48–75k$9,705
$75–110k$12,630
$110k+$19,750

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants50%
Median debt at graduation$14,289

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,289
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$43,600
Female graduates$37,800

Gap: 13% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,289
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.7x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White14%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino52%
Asian20%
Two or more races5%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (35,924 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California State University-Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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