If you’re hunting for a solid public university in California without the sticker shock of a UC, Cal State Long Beach probably crossed your screen. CSULB pulls in tens of thousands of applicants each year and lands around #505 nationally — respectable for a school that charges just $5,742 per year for in-state students. This guide cuts through the rankings noise to give you the admissions reality, the actual GPA you need, and how CSULB stacks up against its Cal State peers.

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Undergrad Enrollment: 35,843 (Fall 2024) · National Ranking: #127 (US News 2026) · Top Public Schools: #3 (US News) · Campus Size: 322 acres · Founded: 1949

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • Application deadline: November 30, 2024 for fall 2025 cycle (CollegeSimply deadlines)
  • Test-blind policy confirmed for current cycle (CollegeSimply policy overview)
  • US News rankings refreshed annually — expect updates in fall 2025 (PrepScholar rankings tracker)
4What’s next
  • California residents: apply by Nov 30 and focus on GPA — test scores won’t help
  • Out-of-state applicants: weigh the $17,622 tuition against other public options
  • Watch for 2025–2026 tuition updates typically released in spring
Field Value
Type Public comprehensive university
System 23-campus California State University
Undergrads 35,843 (Fall 2024)
Grad Students 5,346
US News Rank #127 National, #3 Top Public
Founded 1949
Avg GPA 3.67
Acceptance Rate 47.1%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Graduation Rate 54%
Median Earnings (10 yr) $51,100
Avg Financial Aid $10,512

Is Cal State Long Beach Easy to Get Into?

CSULB sits in the “moderately selective” zone — not as hard to crack as UCLA’s 17% but far from an open door. The school received 79,680 applications and admitted 37,547 students for a 47.1% acceptance rate in the most recent cycle (CollegeSimply comparative data). Admissions standards are classified as “Moderate” with “Low” applicant competition, according to CollegeSimply’s rating system.

The catch

Nearly 80,000 applicants means the sheer volume works against you — the school can’t take everyone, even with a near-50% acceptance rate. Strong GPA matters more than anything since CSULB went test-blind in 2024.

Freshmen Admissions Requirements

California residents applying to CSULB need to complete the CSU application and meet minimum eligibility requirements. There’s no supplemental essay required by the university itself, though major-specific programs may have additional requirements. The $70 application fee applies to undergraduate applicants (GyanDhan admission guide).

Key requirements include completing the required “a-g” college preparatory coursework in high school, maintaining a competitive GPA, and submitting by the November 30 deadline. Transfer students from California community colleges have guaranteed admission pathways through established articulation agreements.

GPA and Test Score Data

The average high school GPA for admitted freshmen lands at 3.67 to 3.7 — solidly in A-minus territory (PrepScholar admission statistics). For students scoring around 1250 on the SAT, admission becomes nearly guaranteed given the average GPA of 3.67, according to PrepScholar’s analysis.

SAT scores for the middle 50% range from 1040 (25th percentile) to 1250 (75th percentile), with an average composite of 1145 (PrepScholar score data). However, since CSULB operates as a test-blind institution, these scores won’t factor into admissions decisions — your GPA is what counts. ACT scores for admitted students typically fall between 20 and 26 (CollegeSimply test scores).

Bottom line: CSULB is moderately selective — a 3.7 GPA puts you squarely in the competitive range. Don’t waste time retaking the SAT; focus on your transcript instead.

What GPA Do I Need for Cal State Long Beach?

The target GPA for CSULB hovers around 3.7. That’s the average for admitted freshmen, so anything at or above that strengthens your position significantly. Students with GPAs below 3.0 face steeper odds, though the holistic review process means other factors can offset a lower GPA to some degree.

Why this matters

A 3.7 GPA at CSULB translates to roughly a B+ average — not valedictorian territory, but solidly above average for a large public university. For perspective, the national average high school GPA sits around 3.0.

Minimum GPA Thresholds

CSULB uses a minimum eligibility GPA of 2.0 for California residents under the CSU’s ” eligibility in the local context” pathway, but the reality is that admitted students average much higher. For impaction — when a major receives more applicants than seats available — competitive majors like nursing, engineering, or computer science require significantly higher GPAs, often 3.5 or above.

Competitive Applicant Profile

A competitive CSULB applicant typically carries a 3.5–3.8 GPA, has completed rigorous coursework including AP or honors classes, and demonstrates sustained academic performance rather than a single strong semester. The 54% graduation rate suggests that students who gain admission and enroll generally complete their degrees, though the 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio means upper-division courses can become competitive for advising and registration (CollegeSimply outcome metrics).

How Prestigious is Cal State Long Beach?

CSULB punches above its weight in certain rankings. While some aggregators list it around #505 nationally, US News & World Report places it at #127 among National Universities and #3 among Top Public Schools, according to the content plan data. The Wall Street Journal also lists it among the top 50 universities in that publication’s rankings.

US News and WSJ Rankings

The discrepancy between ranking services stems from methodology differences — some weight research output heavily (where CSULB lags), while others prioritize social mobility, outcomes, or undergraduate experience. For a public comprehensive university focused primarily on undergraduate education, CSULB’s #3 ranking among public schools in the West is notable.

What to watch

Rankings shift annually and methodology changes affect positions. Treat the #127 US News ranking as a rough benchmark rather than gospel — what matters more is whether CSULB delivers for your specific major and career goals.

Ranking Among Cal State Schools

Within the 23-campus CSU system, CSULB consistently ranks among the top choices alongside campuses like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Fullerton, and San Diego State. Cal Poly SLO remains the most selective with engineering and STEM programs that attract applicants nationwide. However, for Southern California students seeking a larger campus with more program options, CSULB stands as a top-tier Cal State choice.

Is Cal State Long Beach Expensive?

For California residents, CSULB offers strong value. In-state tuition sits at $5,742 annually, with total cost of attendance including room and board around $17,000–$18,000 when accounting for fees and living expenses (CollegeSimply cost breakdown). The average net price — what students actually pay after grants — comes to approximately $9,731, according to CollegeSimply financial aid data.

The upshot

77% of CSULB students receive grant aid averaging $10,512 — meaning most students pay considerably less than the sticker price. For families qualifying for need-based aid, CSULB can be significantly cheaper than the published tuition suggests.

Tuition and Fees Breakdown

In-state tuition runs $5,742 per year while out-of-state students pay $17,622 (CollegeSimply tuition figures). Full-time student fees add roughly $1,862 annually, with room and board varying based on housing choices — on-campus housing runs around $15,612 to $16,666 per year (Petersons housing costs).

Cost of Living Comparison

Long Beach offers a more affordable alternative to nearby Los Angeles or San Diego. Housing costs in Long Beach run approximately 15–20% lower than LA proper, making it easier for students to manage part-time work or reduce loan borrowing. Students comparing CSULB against San Diego State should factor in San Diego’s higher cost of living, which can add $3,000–$5,000 annually to total expenses.

Bottom line: For in-state students, CSULB offers strong value at under $10,000 average net price. Out-of-state students should compare carefully — the $17,622 tuition adds up, and other public universities in their home states might cost less.

What Are the Best Cal State Schools?

The Cal State system includes 23 campuses ranging from highly selective to open-admission. Rankings within the system depend heavily on which metrics matter most to individual students — selectivity, program strength, location, or campus culture all play roles.

Top Ranked Campuses

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo leads in selectivity and engineering reputation, followed by Cal State Fullerton in enrollment size and business programs, and San Diego State for its balance of prestige and accessibility. CSULB ranks third among public schools nationally, making it a top-tier choice within the system. Cal State Long Beach is a solid public university in California, as detailed in this article: Pixel 10 release date.

CSULB Position

Among Cal States, CSULB stands out for its health sciences programs (nursing, pre-med), engineering school, and communications college. The 322-acre campus in Long Beach offers a suburban feel with easy access to Los Angeles and Orange County job markets. With over 35,000 undergraduates, it’s one of the larger Cal State campuses, offering more program variety than smaller campuses but potentially larger class sizes.

Comparing CSULB to UCLA shows the prestige gap — UCLA’s acceptance rate hovers around 17% versus CSULB’s 47%, and tuition for out-of-state students at UCLA exceeds $40,000 annually (CampusReel comparison data). For students prioritizing affordability over prestige, CSULB delivers solid outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

CSULB graduates report median earnings of $51,100 ten years after enrollment — competitive with many more selective public universities, according to CollegeSimply graduate outcomes.

CSULB vs. Other Cal State Campuses

Seven major Cal State campuses compete for similar applicant pools, with meaningful differences in selectivity, programs, and outcomes. This comparison helps prospective students weigh trade-offs across the system.

Campus Acceptance Rate Est. In-State Tuition US News Rank Key Strengths
Cal Poly SLO ~30% $5,700 #4 National Universities Engineering, Architecture
San Diego State ~36% $5,700 #95 National Business, Psychology
CSULB 47% $5,742 #127 National, #3 Public Health Sciences, Engineering
Cal State Fullerton ~46% $5,700 #133 National Business, Communications
Cal State Northridge ~55% $5,700 #166 National Film, Social Work
San Jose State ~60% $5,700 #150 National Engineering, Silicon Valley location
Cal State LA ~70% $5,700 #206 National Urban access, Public Service

The data shows a clear trade-off: more selective Cal States like Cal Poly SLO and San Diego State offer stronger national rankings but require higher GPAs for admission. CSULB sits in the middle — selective enough to maintain quality but accessible enough that a strong GPA in the 3.5–3.8 range makes admission realistic.

Upsides

  • Affordable in-state tuition at $5,742/year
  • Strong health sciences and engineering programs
  • #3 ranking among top public schools nationally
  • Large campus with 160+ programs across disciplines
  • 77% of students receive grant aid averaging $10,512
  • Southern California location near major job markets
  • Test-blind admissions mean test anxiety won’t hurt you

Downsides

  • 47% acceptance rate means competition exists despite moderate selectivity
  • Large class sizes possible in introductory courses (19:1 student-to-faculty ratio)
  • 54% graduation rate signals some students struggle to complete
  • No PhD programs — limited research opportunities for undergraduates
  • Out-of-state tuition ($17,622) eliminates cost advantage for non-residents
  • Ranked #505 by some aggregators due to research weighting

The average GPA at Cal State Long Beach is 3.67. This makes Cal State Long Beach Strongly Competitive for GPAs.

— PrepScholar Education Analyst

Scoring a 1250 will nearly guarantee you admission, given that your GPA is roughly the average of 3.67.

— GyanDhan Study Abroad Analyst

Related reading: financial guarantor · W-9 form

Additional sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cal State Long Beach a good university?

Yes. CSULB ranks #127 nationally and #3 among public schools per US News. It offers strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and business at an affordable price for California residents. The 54% graduation rate and $51,100 median earnings suggest solid outcomes, though more selective universities will have higher completion rates.

What majors are offered at Cal State Long Beach?

CSULB offers approximately 160 undergraduate and graduate programs across colleges including Health and Human Services, Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Popular majors include nursing, mechanical engineering, business administration, communications, and psychology.

Is it cheaper to live in Long Beach or San Diego?

Long Beach is generally more affordable than San Diego. Housing costs run approximately 15–20% lower, and overall cost of living indexes favor Long Beach. Students at CSULB benefit from proximity to LA and OC job markets while paying less than they would at San Diego State for equivalent urban campus living.

What is Cal State Long Beach known for?

CSULB is particularly known for its nursing and health sciences programs, engineering school, college of business (AACSB accredited), and college of liberal arts. The campus sits on 322 acres in Long Beach, California, and is home to the Carillon and Pyramid Lake, a man-made beach and lake facility unique among California universities.

Does Cal State Long Beach have strong athletics?

CSULB competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big West Conference. Beach volleyball and men’s volleyball are particularly notable programs, with the women’s beach volleyball team winning national championships. The athletics program provides campus spirit and identity but doesn’t drive the university’s reputation the way it might at a larger sports-focused school.

What are popular programs like engineering or nursing?

The College of Engineering offers programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, among others. The School of Nursing admits competitively and has strong clinical partnerships with hospitals throughout Southern California. Both programs are impacted (receive more applicants than seats), requiring higher GPAs for admission than the university average.

How does CSULB compare to other Cal States?

CSULB ranks third among Cal States in the US News public schools category, behind only Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and typically San Diego State or Fullerton depending on the year. It sits in the middle of the selectivity spectrum at 47% acceptance, making it more accessible than Cal Poly SLO (30%) but more selective than Cal State LA (70%).

What is the cost of living in Long Beach for students?

On-campus room and board runs approximately $15,600–$16,700 annually. Off-campus housing in the Long Beach area averages $1,200–$1,800 per month for a shared apartment, though students can find more affordable options further from campus. The city offers relatively affordable living compared to Los Angeles proper, with good public transit options including the Metro Blue Line connecting to downtown LA.

For prospective students weighing their Cal State options, CSULB offers a compelling combination of affordability, rankings prestige, and Southern California access. California residents with GPAs in the 3.5–3.8 range have realistic admission chances and should prioritize the November 30 deadline. The school’s test-blind policy removes one stressor from the application process, letting applicants focus on what actually matters: their academic record.