Long Beach City College: $1,556 Tuition

$1,556Tuition

21,899Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,870Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College has built its reputation as one of California's top transfer destinations since 1927. The campus serves 21,899 students in California's second-largest city, creating a diverse academic community where Hispanic students make up 60% of enrollment. Notable graduates include filmmaker Steven Spielberg and rapper Snoop Dogg, reflecting the college's broad appeal across creative and professional fields.

Students pay an average net price of $5,001 after financial aid, making this an affordable stepping stone to higher education. In-state tuition costs just $1,556 annually. Graduates earn a median of $38,870 ten years after enrollment, while those who borrow graduate with typical debt of $10,500. The monthly loan payment averages only $111, making repayment manageable for most graduates.

The Vikings compete in 18 varsity sports with 380 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. Women outnumber men 56% to 44% on campus. The 27% six-year completion rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. With 97% of students coming from California, Long Beach City College maintains strong connections to local four-year universities and the regional job market.

Academics & Faculty

Long Beach City College serves over 21,800 students as one of California's largest community colleges, built around preparing students for university transfer. The college maintains an impressive 83.8% employment rate for graduates who enter the workforce directly. With a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, students navigate larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though this keeps costs low with in-state tuition at just $1,556. The 27.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. Notable alumni like Steven Spielberg showcase the college's role as a stepping stone to creative careers. Strong transfer partnerships with Cal State and UC systems make this a popular choice for budget-conscious students.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,870

Campus Life

Long Beach sits right on the Pacific coast, where students trade snow boots for flip-flops year-round. The campus sprawes across multiple buildings in the heart of California's fifth-largest city, just 25 miles south of downtown LA. With 21,899 students packed into a commuter-heavy environment, parking becomes a daily battle that starts before 8 AM.

Students here represent Long Beach's diversity perfectly. Hispanic students make up 60% of enrollment, while the student body is 56% female. Most students work while attending classes, reflected in the 84% employment rate among graduates. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for general education courses. Weekends see campus empty out as students head to nearby beaches, downtown Long Beach's waterfront attractions, or jobs across the sprawling LA metro area. With 97% of students coming from California, most live at home or in nearby apartments. The Vikings compete in 18 sports, though athletic scholarships aren't offered, keeping the focus on academics and transfer preparation.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1927

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	4	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	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

The student body reflects Long Beach's diverse working-class community, with Hispanic students making up 60% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from California, showing the college's role as a local educational anchor. Over one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves students from lower-income families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, typical for community colleges focused on transfer programs and career training. The demographics mirror the surrounding area, making this a true community institution that opens doors for first-generation college students.

Men: 44.3%
Women: 55.7%
White: 12.0%
Black: 12.0%
Hispanic: 60.0%
Asian: 9.0%
In-State Students: 96.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.3%

Location

Long Beach City College sits in Long Beach, California, about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves a diverse urban community where 60.04% of students are Hispanic and 96.66% come from in-state. Long Beach offers students Pacific Ocean beaches, a bustling port city atmosphere, and easy access to LA's job market through metro connections. The college draws from one of California's most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas. Students benefit from internship opportunities at the Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest shipping centers. The campus culture reflects the working-class, multicultural character of this coastal industrial city. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Long Beach City College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Long Beach, California 90808-1706

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,870
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,345
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 24.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Long Beach City College?

Long Beach City College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges. Students need only a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in the 21,899-student institution that has served the Long Beach area since 1927.

How much does Long Beach City College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,001 annually at Long Beach City College. In-state tuition runs just $1,556, making it highly affordable for the 37% of students receiving financial aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Long Beach City College?

Long Beach City College operates with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college focuses heavily on transfer preparation, helping students move on to four-year universities after completing their general education requirements.

What do Long Beach City College graduates earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $38,870 ten years after attending Long Beach City College. The college's 27% six-year completion rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities.

Where is Long Beach City College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Long Beach, California, serving a diverse student body that is 60% Hispanic and 96% in-state residents. With 380 student-athletes competing in 18 varsity sports as the Vikings, the campus offers traditional college experiences despite its commuter-focused environment.

Does Long Beach City College have any famous alumni?

Long Beach City College counts filmmaker Steven Spielberg and rapper Snoop Dogg among its notable former students. The college has built a reputation as a launching pad for creative careers while serving as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class students in the Long Beach area.