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 gives you a strong financial return, and the math is hard to argue with. You leave with a median debt of $14,289, less than a quarter of what you can expect to earn in a single year a decade after enrolling. A net price near $8,900 against $64,403 median earnings puts you in a low-risk position most schools can't match.
The engineering and nursing programs are where the payoff is clearest. Nursing graduates lead at $85,795, and construction engineering technologies follows close behind at $81,175, both well above the school-wide median. Biomedical, computer, and electrical engineering all clear $67,000. If you're aiming for one of these fields, the debt you take on stays modest relative to the paycheck, with none of these programs pushing graduates past $19,000 in debt.
The risk here is major choice, not the school itself. The listed high-earning programs are all technical or clinical. If you enroll expecting those salaries but land in a lower-paying field, your outcome drops toward or below the $64,403 median while your cost stays the same. Southern California's high cost of living also eats into these earnings more than the raw numbers suggest.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $5,477 a year. that climbs to $18,575 if you're over $110k. Even at the top tier, the price stays reasonable for a degree that returns these earnings.
This school is a good fit for you if you're targeting nursing or engineering and want low debt. With a 69.9% graduation rate and 85.3% retention, most who start finish. Look elsewhere only if your intended field isn't represented among these stronger-paying programs.
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.