California State University-Long Beach

40.0%Acceptance

$7,008Tuition

34,131Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$64,403Earnings

#16 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach serves over 34,000 students in one of California's largest university systems, making it a major educational center just minutes from the Pacific Ocean. The school has built a strong reputation in business, engineering, and film programs, producing graduates like director Steven Spielberg and actor Kevin Costner. With a 40% acceptance rate, it's selective enough to maintain academic standards while still accessible to a broad range of California students.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $8,931 after aid, which drops to just $5,477 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $64,403 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $14,289 quite manageable with monthly payments around $151. Nearly half of all students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 51% Hispanic students and 21% Asian students creating a multicultural campus environment. About 97% of students come from in-state, giving the school a distinctly Californian feel. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can be large, but the 85% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to the campus culture.

Academics & Faculty

Cal State Long Beach stands out for its film school, which has produced directors like Steven Spielberg and actors like Kevin Costner. The university offers strong programs in business and engineering alongside its famous cinema arts department. With 34,131 students and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at smaller colleges, but the school maintains solid academic support. The 71.26% four-year graduation rate shows most students can finish on time despite the size. As a research university, students get hands-on experience in labs and studios. The school serves a diverse student body where 51.27% are Hispanic and 21.24% are Asian, creating a multicultural learning environment that reflects California's demographics.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 45.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 71.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.9%
Retention Rate: 85.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,403
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$118,210
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$111,435
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$106,421
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$85,795
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$81,997
Construction Engineering Technologies.	Bachelor	$81,175
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$79,755
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$79,284
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$76,930
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$76,460

View all 194 programs →

Campus Life

Cal State Long Beach sits five miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in Southern California's second-largest city. With housing capacity for just 3,216 students out of 34,131 enrolled, only about 9% live on campus, making this primarily a commuter school. Most students drive to campus from across the sprawling Los Angeles metro area, creating a parking crunch that's legendary among students.

The weather stays mild year-round with temps in the 70s, so you'll need sunscreen but never a heavy winter coat. Students often head to nearby Belmont Shore or Naples Island on weekends, or make the short drive to Huntington Beach for surfing and volleyball. The campus buzzes during weekday classes but empties out evenings and weekends as students scatter back to their hometowns. With 51% Hispanic enrollment, the school has a strong Latino culture, and the diverse student body reflects Long Beach's international port city character. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life the way it might at residential campuses.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,216 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

58 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	16	0	0	5
Burglary	11	4	1	0
Rape	5	4	0	0
Fondling	4	0	0	0
Stalking	4	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	1	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	1	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Cal State Long Beach draws students who want quality education without the debt load, with 97.53% coming from California and nearly half qualifying for Pell Grants. The student body reflects Southern California's diversity, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 51.27% and Asian students representing 21.24%. Women outnumber men because the school is known for programs like education, health sciences, and social work that traditionally attract more female students. This is a working-class university where students often commute from nearby communities and juggle jobs while earning degrees.

Men: 41.6%
Women: 58.5%
White: 14.9%
Black: 3.6%
Hispanic: 51.3%
Asian: 21.2%
In-State Students: 97.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 49.3%

Location

Cal State Long Beach sits in Long Beach, California, about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The campus puts students right in the middle of Southern California's second-largest city, with 462,000 residents and direct access to the Pacific Ocean. Long Beach combines urban amenities with coastal living, featuring the busy Port of Long Beach, downtown entertainment districts, and beaches just minutes from campus. The 322-acre campus sits close enough to LA for internships and job opportunities while maintaining its own distinct identity as a beach city. With 97.53% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with California's coastal culture. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State Long Beach with similar schools in the region.

Address: Long Beach, California 90840-0115

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,403
Median Earnings (5 years): $62,005
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $151/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,289

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Long Beach?

Cal State Long Beach accepts 39.95% of applicants, making it moderately selective among California public universities. The Beach attracts over 34,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the state with particularly strong draws in business, engineering, and film programs.

How much does California State University-Long Beach cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,931 annually, with in-state tuition at just $7,008. Nearly half of students (49.32%) receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with only $14,289 in debt, well below national averages.

What academic programs is California State University-Long Beach known for?

The Beach is well-known for its business, engineering, and film programs, attracting notable alumni like Steven Spielberg and Kevin Costner. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, the university serves 34,131 students on its large urban campus.

What are the graduation rates at California State University-Long Beach?

The university achieves a 69.90% six-year graduation rate and maintains an 85.30% retention rate for first-year students. Graduates earn a median salary of $64,403 ten years after graduation, with a strong 92.2% employment rate reflecting the school's practical career preparation.

Where do students live at California State University-Long Beach?

Campus housing accommodates 3,216 students, though with total enrollment of 34,131, most students live off-campus in the surrounding Long Beach area. On-campus room and board costs $15,612, while the large city setting provides numerous housing options beyond the residence halls.

What makes the student body at California State University-Long Beach unique?

The student body is 51.27% Hispanic and 21.24% Asian, making it one of California's most diverse major universities. With 97.53% of students coming from in-state and women comprising 58.45% of enrollment, The Beach reflects the changing demographics of modern California.