At $8,931/yr net price, California State University-Long Beach graduates earn $64,403/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,403/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,931 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,403/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,403/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,289 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,477/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,191/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,063/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,787/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,575/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $118,210 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $111,435 | $30,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $106,421 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $85,795 | $16,743 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $81,997 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $81,175 | $18,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $79,755 | $75,421 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $79,284 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $76,930 | $25,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $76,460 |
The Risk Factor
69.9% of students at California State University-Long Beach graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
California State University-Long Beach delivers solid financial returns at a bargain price, with graduates earning $64,403 ten years out while paying just $8,931 annually. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning up to $118,210 and strong job prospects in Southern California's healthcare market.
Your major choice makes a huge difference here. Nursing and electrical engineering graduates see strong earnings that justify even higher debt loads, while many liberal arts programs struggle to generate returns that beat the regional job market. The engineering program benefits from proximity to aerospace and tech companies in Los Angeles County.
The biggest financial risk is the 30% dropout rate, which leaves you with debt but no degree. If you're uncertain about your major or study habits, the low sticker price makes this a safer place to figure things out than pricier alternatives. The 85% retention rate suggests most students who make it past freshman year will finish.
This school works best if you're targeting high-demand fields like nursing or engineering, or if you need an affordable path to a bachelor's degree in California. The location gives you access to internships and jobs throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties without the crushing debt of private schools.
Skip Long Beach if you're chasing prestige or if your intended major has weak employment outcomes. The school offers limited merit scholarships, so your best cost strategy is qualifying for need-based aid or maintaining California residency to keep tuition low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Long Beach worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,931 per year and 10-year earnings of $64,403, Cal State Long Beach offers solid value for a public university. The relatively low debt burden of $14,289 makes it financially manageable for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-Long Beach?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Cal State Long Beach, with graduates earning $85,795 to $118,210 annually. Engineering and educational administration also show strong returns, while other majors may struggle to justify costs.
How much debt do California State University-Long Beach graduates have?
Cal State Long Beach graduates leave with a median debt of $14,289, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does California State University-Long Beach have good job outcomes?
Cal State Long Beach graduates earn $64,403 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable for a CSU campus. The 70% graduation rate suggests many students complete their programs, though outcomes vary significantly by major.