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California State University-Long Beach

7.5(11)
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Founded
1857
Type
Public
University Guide

About California State University-Long Beach

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

California State University, Long Beach is a public research university in the USA established as a state college in 1949 and gained university status in 1972. CSULB has an acceptance rate of ~47.14% for all applicants. California State University, Long Beach campus is home to 38,190 students including 34,033 undergraduate students and 4,157 graduate students. International students reportedly comprise 5.6% of the total student body of the university. Applicants can pursue nearly 190 courses in CSULB across undergraduate (81), graduate (67), and doctoral (3) levels.

Students applying for admission to California State University at Long Beach in graduate level need a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (80%) in undergraduate courses. Indian students must anticipate an expense between $28,232 to 36,846 USD (24.36 to 31.79 Lakhs INR) in tuition fees for Cal State Long Beach. The university reflects a high return on investment with an average graduate salary of 82,000 USD (~₹70.76 Lakhs) per annum.

Here's a look at what students say about California State University Long Beach (CSULB):

Ritika Sisodiya from 2024 batch (Masters in Information Systems)

"California State University offers a highly flexible and detail-oriented curriculum that allows me to gain comprehensive knowledge and experience in my field. The university's location near Los Angeles provides excellent access to industry hubs, enhancing internship and job opportunities. There is an increased number of Indian students, which can limit interaction with students from other countries. The food options for vegans are clean but may not appeal to everyone. Overall, CSU has been a great choice for my academic journey."

Read full reviews on CSULB, to more about college life, placements, and admissions. 

Table of Contents
  1. California State University Long Beach Rankings
  2. California State University Long Beach Courses
  3. California State University Long Beach Admissions
  4. California State University Long Beach Cost Comparison
  5. California State University Long Beach Scholarships
  6. California State University Long Beach Job Outcomes
  7. FAQs

California State University Long Beach Rankings

In the 2025 rankings, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is ranked #109 in the national universities category by U.S. News & World Report, and #1401+ in the QS World University Rankings.

Ranked by 2025 2024 2023
U.S. News & World Report #109 #105 #137
QS #1401 #1201 #1401

Additional Rankings:

  • U.S. News & World Report:
    • #52 in Top Public Schools
    • #3 for Top Performers on Social Mobility
    • #129 in Best Value Schools
  • Forbes: #89 in Top Colleges 2025
  • Niche:
    • #51st in Top Public Universities in America
    • #9th in Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions in America
  • Times Higher Education: #1001+

California State University Long Beach Courses

California State University, Long Beach offers ~190 programs across its 8 colleges. This includes 67 graduate programs and 3 doctoral programs. Check out some popular courses at California State University, Long Beach in the following table:

Program Annual Fees In USD Annual Fees In INR
Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science (155 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] (80 Views Last Year) USD 22800 INR 19.98 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Counseling Psychology (75 Views Last Year) USD 19512 INR 17.09 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Civil Engineering (60 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master Mechanical Engineering (50 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master Aerospace Engineering (50 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Information System (48 Views Last Year) USD 15750 INR 13.8 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Electrical Engineering (33 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Bachelor Interior Design (5 Views Last Year) USD 6450 INR 5.65 Lakhs
Master of Arts [M.A] History (3 Views Last Year) USD 8064 INR 7.06 Lakhs

california_state_university_long_beach


California State University Long Beach Admissions

California State University, Long Beach offers admission in the terms of Fall, Spring, and Winter. California State University, Long Beach reportedly has an acceptance rate of ~47%, reflecting a quite selective admission policy. CSULB admission details for graduate and undergraduate programs are provided below:

California State University Long Beach Graduate Admissions

California State University Long Beach graduate admissions requirements are as tabulated below:

Category Details
Application Portal Cal State Apply - Graduate
Application Fee 70 USD (6,041 INR)
Academic Requirements 4 year degree
GPA Requirements Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (80%)
English Proficiency Requirements TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.0 | Duolingo: 115 | PTE: 58
Supporting Documents Resume | Letters of recommendation | Transcripts

California State University Long Beach Undergraduate Admissions

California State University Long Beach undergraduate admissions requirements are tabulated below:

Category Details
Application Portal Common Application
Application Fee 70 USD (6,041 INR)
Academic Requirements High school certificate
GPA Requirements 3.0 out of 4.0 or above (85%)
English Proficiency Requirements TOEFL iBT: 61 | IELTS: 5.5 | Duolingo: 95 | PTE: 43
Additional Requirements Statement of purpose/LOR and essays are not considered

Tirth Kapadia from 2021 batch (M.S Computer Science)

"The campus life at CSU Long Beach is vibrant, with numerous student clubs and modern facilities that foster active engagement. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive, providing excellent study materials. One downside is ensuring all required courses are available each semester. I chose CSU Long Beach for its academic excellence, affordability, and proximity to Silicon Valley. The application process was straightforward, requiring academic records, GRE and TOEFL scores, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. The overall experience has been rewarding, with a strong return on investment."


California State University Long Beach Application Deadlines

California State University admissions take place in two intakes in USA: Fall and Spring. Here are the important dates for admission at CSULB

Fall Intake Deadlines:

Class Level 1st day to apply Applicat on deadline Document deadline
Freshmen Oct. 1 April 1 April 15
Undergraduate Transfer Oct. 1 April 1 April 15
Graduate Oct. 1 March 15 April 1

Spring Intake Deadlines:

Class Level 1st day to apply Application deadline Document deadline
Freshmen* Aug. 1 Oct. 1 Oct. 15
Undergraduate Transfer Aug. 1 Oct. 1 Oct. 15
Graduate Aug. 1 Oct. 1 Oct. 15

Attention Indian Students!

These dates remain the same for each year, however may vary according to major and class level. Please refer to department's website for further information. Freshmen applicants interested in BA in Music and BA in Dance must contact the department regarding an earlier deadline as well as audition information.


California State University Long Beach Cost Comparison

Check out the comparisons between California State University, Long Beach and some top universities in the world:

University Tuition Fee (USD) Equivalent Tuition Fee for Indians (INR)
California State University, Long Beach 14,658 to 16,392 12.22 to 13.66 lakhs
Arizona State University 10,978 to 12,104 9.15 to 10.09 lakhs
Central Michigan University 15,600 to 21,000 13 to 17.50 lakhs

Also Read

  • California State University Long Beach vs California State University - Los Angeles
  • San Jose State University vs California State University Long Beach
  • Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
  • Cost of Studying in USA

California State University Long Beach Scholarships

Around 71% of undergraduate students receive some kind of financial aid from California State University long beach. The average award received by students per year is around ~20,000 USD. To avail benefits of such awards, a student must first be enrolled into the university under any Department and needs to submit an online application to the financial aid office of the organization. Here are some of the merit based scholarships provided by CSULB:

Merit-based Scholarships Eligibility Award Amount
Education Future International Scholarship Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program; demonstrated academic excellence Variable
Study California Scholarship Full-time enrollment in a degree program; financial need; international student status
MBA Advisory Board Scholarship Enrollment in the MBA program; demonstrated leadership and academic achievement $3,000
Wan-Lin Kiang Scholarship Enrollment in specific programs; demonstrated academic excellence $1,428
Graduate Equity Fellowship Graduated from Long Beach schools; financial need $500
Preeminent Scholarships and Fellowships Outstanding academic performance; participation in research or leadership activities Variable
Boren Undergraduate Scholarships Demonstrated interest in studying less-commonly taught languages; full-time undergraduate status
CLS Critical Language Scholarship Program Interest in learning critical languages; full-time enrollment
Frederick Scholarships Academic excellence; involvement in specific fields of study

It should be noted that international students are not eligible for any federal or state financial aid. However, international students can look for various externally-funded scholarships to study in USA. Following are some popular scholarships that Indian students can avail:

Scholarship Name Type Eligibility Award Amount
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships Merit-Based A first-class undergraduate degree; Candidate should be over the age of 30 years $100,000
Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships Merit-Based Minimum 55% or higher in an UG IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent Variable
National Overseas Scholarship Need-Based Total family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000; Minimum 55% or its equivalent $15,400
Mahindra Finance KCMET Scholarship Need-Based For girls from disadvantaged backgrounds; First Class degree or equivalent $5,542
#YouAreWelcomeHere Tuition-Fee-Waiver Write an essay of 500-1000 words or record a video of 2–5 minutes Variable

California State University Long Beach Job Outcomes

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) graduates experience strong career outcomes, with a mid-career salary average of $121,700. Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians have the highest median earnings at $65,016, while English Language and Literature/Letters have the lowest at $22,880.

The Career development center assists students in planning their careers after graduation through a number of services. This includes career counselling, employer connections, and professional development opportunities. Here's a more detailed breakdown of job outcomes and career prospects for CSULB graduates:

  • Mid-Career Salary:

    CSULB graduates have a strong earning potential, with a mid-career salary average of $121,700.

  • High Graduation and Employment Rates:

    CSULB has high graduation and employment rates, with some cohorts reaching 100% employment.

  • CareerLINK Opportunities:

    CSULB's CareerLINK program provides access to job opportunities in various fields like Accounting Coordinator at Aimbridge Hospitality, Business Analyst at Amazon, Digital Marketing Strategist at Truist, and Field Sales Manager at Grundfos

Check in Detail: Jobs for Indian Students in USA


California State University at Long Beach is at the forefront of public education and the world. It aims to enrich student lives and aid them to achieve their academic and career goals through high-impact educational and research experiences. Along with that, the small student-teacher ratio enables students to better connect with teachers.


FAQs

Ques. What are some pros and cons of attending CSULB?

Ans. Pros:

  • Affordable tuition compared to UC schools, good for budget-conscious students.
  • Strong location near Los Angeles, offering access to internships, jobs, and networking.

Cons:

  • Limited housing on campus; off-campus rent can be expensive. Some programs have large class sizes, reducing individual attention.

Ques. What is the difference between California State University, Long Beach and Cal State (Long Beach)?

Ans. There’s no difference—they’re the same school. "Cal State Long Beach" is just a shorter nickname for California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

Ques. Which state university is better, Cal State Long Beach or UCSB? Why?

Ans. It depends on your goals: UCSB is better for research opportunities, prestige, and stronger academics in fields like engineering and sciences. CSULB is more affordable, has a practical focus, and is better for students seeking a diverse, urban environment near LA.

Ques. Can I get into California State University Long Beach? I'm from India.

Ans. Yes, you can! CSULB is relatively accessible for international students. You’ll need decent grades, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and meet specific program requirements. Check their international admissions page for exact criteria—it’s not overly competitive but requires preparation.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

133

Fee from

₹8,87,986.92

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 78 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 21.4 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 22,860 /Yr
Living Expense₹2465465
Estimated Total₹2582690
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

California State University Long Beach admissions are offered for Fall and Spring intakes. For Fall 2026, the deadline is March 15, 2026 for graduate programs and April 1, 2026 for undergraduate programs, with document deadlines extending up to April 15. Spring 2026 applications close on October 1, 2025, and supporting documents must be submitted by October 15. Some majors such as Music and Dance may have earlier deadlines and require auditions.
For Indian students, California State University Long Beach admission requirements vary by level. Undergraduate applicants need a 3.0 GPA (85%) on a 4.0 scale, while graduate programs accept a minimum 2.5 GPA (75%). The MBA program requires a 2.75 GPA (81%) and a GMAT score between 530–650. Standardized tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT are largely waived, except for the MBA. English proficiency is mandatory with TOEFL scores of 61–80 or IELTS scores of 5.5–6.0. Applicants must also provide transcripts, SOP, LORs, resume, and in some cases, a video statement.

Read More: California State University Long Beach Reviews and Ratings

california_state_university_long_beach_admissions


California State University Long Beach Admission Deadlines

For the Fall 2026 semester, the application deadline for international students at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is March 15, 2026 for graduate programs and April 1, 2026, for undergraduate programs. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Fall Intake Deadlines

Class Level 1st day to apply Application deadline Document deadline
Freshmen Oct. 1 April 1 April 15
Undergraduate Transfer Oct. 1 April 1 April 15
Graduate Oct. 1 March 15 April 1

Spring Intake Deadlines

Class Level 1st day to apply Application deadline Document deadline
Freshmen Aug. 1 Oct. 1 Oct. 15
Undergraduate Transfer Aug. 1 Oct. 1 Oct. 15
Graduate Aug. 1 Oct. 1 Oct. 15

Attention Indian Students

These dates remain the same for each year, however may vary according to major and class level. Please refer to the department's website for further information. Freshmen applicants interested in BA in Music and BA in Dance must contact the department regarding an earlier deadline as well as audition information.


California State University Long Beach Popular Programs

California State University, Long Beach offers ~190 programs across its 8 colleges. This includes 67 graduate programs and 3 doctoral programs. Check out some popular courses at California State University, Long Beach in the following table:

Program Annual Fees In USD Annual Fees In INR
Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science (155 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] (80 Views Last Year) USD 22800 INR 19.98 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Counseling Psychology (75 Views Last Year) USD 19512 INR 17.09 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Civil Engineering (60 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master Mechanical Engineering (50 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master Aerospace Engineering (50 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Information System (48 Views Last Year) USD 15750 INR 13.8 Lakhs
Master of Science [M.S] Electrical Engineering (33 Views Last Year) USD 17922 INR 15.7 Lakhs
Bachelor Interior Design (5 Views Last Year) USD 6450 INR 5.65 Lakhs
Master of Arts [M.A] History (3 Views Last Year) USD 8064 INR 7.06 Lakhs

California State University Long Beach Graduate Admission Requirements

California State University Long Beach offers graduate programs in more than 67 majors. Some of the top graduate programs at CSULB include MS Computer Science, MS Counseling Psychology, MS Civil Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering among others. Given below are the admission requirements to be fulfilled by the applicants.

Application Portal: CalState Apply

Application Fees: 70 USD or 6,170 INR

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • GPA or aggregate: 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (75%)
  • Test scores like GRE and GMAT are no longer required for admission
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
  • English language proficiency scores:

California State University Long Beach MBA Admission Requirements

California State University Long Beach offers MBA in full-time regular and online modes. MBA at CSULB is a 1.5 year long program, offering different specializations along with it. Students applying for the program do not require any professional work experience. Here are the admission requirements for MBA at CSULB:

Application Portal: CalState Apply

Application Fees: 70 USD or 6,170 INR

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • GPA or aggregate: 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale (81%)
  • Test Scores:
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
  • Video statement
  • Resume or CV
  • English language proficiency scores:
    • TOEFL IBT - 80
    • IELTS - 6.0

CSULB Class Profile

Particulars Data
Work Experience Not required
Average Age 25
Average GPA 3.28
GMAT range 530–650
Female Students 47%
International Students 45%

Note: This is the latest class profile of the 21-months, Day-Time MBA program.


California State University Long Beach Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to undergraduate courses at California State University Long Beach can choose from over 115 majors. Some of the popular undergraduate majors include computer science, graphic design, health care administration among others. Here are the important admission requirements for undergraduate programs:

Application Portal: CalState Apply

Application Fees: 70 USD or 6,170 INR

Admission Requirements:

  • High school transcripts
  • GPA or aggregate: 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (85%)
  • Test scores such as SAT and ACT are not required
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
  • English language proficiency scores:
    • TOEFL IBT - 61
    • IELTS - 5.5

California State University Long Beach Admission Decision

For fall admission, California State University Long Beach sends out admission decisions between mid-February and April, and these are initially conditional, requiring verification of transcripts. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Notification Timing:

  • Fall Admission: Admission decisions are normally made between mid-February and April.
  • Spring Admission: Admission decisions are typically made in October.

Conditional Admission:

  • Initial offers of admission are conditional and subject to verification based on official transcripts. This means that your admission is not final until CSULB verifies the information you provided in your application, including your transcripts.

Checking Application Status:

  • You can check the status of your application online through the Applicant Self-Service webpage.
  • CSULB uses email as its official means of communication, so make sure to check your email regularly.

Also Read: Differences Between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Admission


California State University Long Beach Acceptance Rate Trend

California State University Long Beach acceptance rate stands at 47%, showing a moderately selective admission policy. As of Fall 2024, 83,951 students applied to CSULB admissions, out of which 38,854 were selected. In the same intake, 1,606 international students applied and 572 were selected. Hence, California State University Long Beach acceptance rate for international students is 36%. 
Check out CSULB application statistics for the last 3 years given below:

Particulars Fall 2024 Fall 2023 Fall 2022
Total Applications 83,951 79,657 74,694
Admitted 38,854 37,547 29,851 
Overall Acceptance Rate 47% 47% 40%
International Applications 1,606 1,621 Data not provided
Admitted 572 564 Data not provided
International Acceptance Rate 36% 34.8% Data not provided

Key Insight for Indians

California State University Long Beach acceptance rate trends suggest that, it will be around 45-50% for Fall 2026 intake. For international students, the acceptance rate will be around 35-40%. 

Also Read: California State University Long Beach Student Profiles


California State University Long Beach Selection Criteria

CSULB’s acceptance rate is ~47.14% for all courses. The admission process is very competitive as the committee is highly selective. Students who are applying for graduate programs are required to have a minimum GPA score of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (75%), however, the preferable score is 3.0 (85%). MBA applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (81%), and undergraduate applicants must have a score of 3.0. Graduate programs no longer require GRE and GMAT test scores.

Similarly, undergraduate programs don’t ask for SAT and ACT scores. International students, however, are required to submit their IELTS and TOEFL iBT tests, with minimum scores ranging between 5.5–6.0 and 61–80 respectively. The admissions committee at CSULB also takes into consideration the students’ personal statements and letters of recommendation in the process.


California State University Long Beach offers a balanced mix of affordability, diverse programs, and moderate selectivity. With an overall acceptance rate of around 47% and 35–40% for international students, applicants with strong academics and well-prepared documents stand a good chance. For Indian students, CSULB is a cost-effective choice for STEM and MBA programs, provided applications are submitted before the strict intake deadlines.


FAQs

Ques. Can I get into California State University Long Beach? I'm from India.

Ans. Yes, you can if you meet the requirements. CSULB looks for a strong academic record, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and relevant prerequisites for your program. It’s moderately competitive, so aim for good grades and a solid application.

Ques. Do all Indian students who study MS (electrical, computer, electronics) at California State University, Long Beach get a job? What if they do not get a job?

Ans. Not all students land jobs immediately—success depends on skills, networking, and work authorization (like OPT or H-1B visas). If they don’t get a job, some pursue further studies, internships, or return to India to gain experience while applying for opportunities abroad.

Ques. What are the hardest majors to get into at CSU Long Beach? Specifically, are there a lot of applicants for computer science & music?

Ans. Computer Science is one of the most competitive majors due to high demand and limited spots. Music is less crowded but still selective, focusing on auditions and portfolios. Both require strong applications, but CS sees significantly more applicants.

Placements & Recruiters

California State University-Long Beach Placement Details

California State University-Long Beach in Long Beach, California, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Long Beach, California, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #198
  • Overall: #198 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 1 ranking record in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #198
  • Business: #45 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business, Overall
  • 2 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #39
  • Overall: #39 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business, Overall
  • 2 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #248
  • Health Care: #24 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 3 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business, Health Care
  • 3 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Business: #46 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Business
  • 1 ranking record in 2026

Contact Information

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840

+1-562-985-4111

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.5/10
Top Rated

Based on 11 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.5/10
Faculty
7.9/10
Infrastructure
9.0/10
Accommodation
8.7/10
Placement
6.9/10
Extracurricular
8.5/10