Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Long Beach, California
47.1% Acceptance Rate
California State University-Long Beach — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
47.1%Acceptance Rate
3.7Avg GPA
1130Avg SAT
$20,310Annual Cost
$64,403Grad Salary
49.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
47.1%
Avg GPA
3.7
Avg SAT
1130
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1090–1160
Avg Net Price
$8,931
Need-Based Aid
49.3% receive Pell
California State University, Long Beach, established in 1949, is one of the largest and most diverse comprehensive universities in the CSU system. The 322-acre campus near the Pacific Ocean features distinctive architecture like the Walter Pyramid and modern facilities including the $100 million Hall of Science. CSULB excels in engineering, arts, and health sciences, with particular strengths in aerospace studies and film production. The university's research enterprise generates $70+ million annually, while its robust internship program connects students with Southern California's industries. With a student body of 38,000+ representing 100+ countries, CSULB combines academic quality with accessibility. Recent achievements include recognition as a top-tier research university and completion of the $150 million Parkside College renovation, enhancing STEM education facilities.
California State University-Long Beach Acceptance Rate
California State University-Long Beach is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of California State University-Long Beach is 47.1%. This means that 47 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 47.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.25
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Cal State Long Beach GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Cal State Long Beach is 3.7. Cal State Long Beach is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.90-4.10 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.40 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Cal State Long Beach GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Cal State Long Beach utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.30 – 3.49
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.29
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Cal State Long Beach, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Cal State Long Beach
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on California State University-Long Beach's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
California State University-Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Cal State Long Beach Without SAT or ACT?
California State University-Long Beach does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
California State University-Long Beach Average SAT Score: 1130
The average SAT score of the admitted students at California State University-Long Beach is 1130 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1130 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1130 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1160 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. California State University-Long Beach allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1090, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Cal State Long Beach. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1130 | 1090 | 1160 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1090 then you are below most of the admitted students at Cal State Long Beach and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1160 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into California State University-Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at California State University-Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach) are good but the admission staff at Cal State Long Beach tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Cal State Long Beach
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Cal State Long Beach, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
Cal State Long Beach Profile
Full Name
California State University-Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach)
City
Long Beach
State
California
ZIP Code
90840-0115
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a Cal State Long Beach Degree Worth It?
Getting into Cal State Long Beach can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Cal State Long Beach offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Cal State Long Beach is $67,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.39%.
How much does a degree from Cal State Long Beach Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California State University-Long Beach is $20,310. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California State University-Long Beach is $8,931.
49.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Cal State Long Beach and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California State University-Long Beach, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Cal State Long Beach as your choice in the form.
How much does a Cal State Long Beach Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $64,403. An average Cal State Long Beach graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than California State University-Long Beach. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as California State University-Long Beach. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than California State University-Long Beach. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Cal State Long Beach
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by California State University-Long Beach →
Frequently Asked Questions About Cal State Long Beach Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $64,403 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20,310 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
49.3% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of California State University-Long Beach is 47.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to California State University-Long Beach is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1130 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1090–1160.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.