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 selective but reasonable. About 47.1% of applicants (47 per 100) are admitted each cycle.
What Cal State Long Beach Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 47.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier. A solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
California State University-Long Beach Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 30 for California State University-Long Beach (Freshman/Transfer (Fall, domestic) — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 112 days left — Freshman/Transfer (Fall, domestic)
Freshman/Transfer (Fall, domestic)
November 30
Freshman (Fall, international)
April 1
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Cal State Long Beach GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Cal State Long Beach is 3.7. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.40 and 3.7? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.90–4.10.Cal State Long Beach GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Impacted majors (including Nursing) require a separate Supplemental Application beyond Cal State Apply, evaluated against major-specific admission criteria
- General freshman admission does not require a personal essay; some graduate/specialized programs require program-specific essays
- Transfer applicants to certain majors face earlier departmental deadlines than the general transfer deadline
- Regular admission deadline is typically Dec 2; acceptance rate is roughly 46%, with competitive impacted-major admission layered on top of general eligibility
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Cal State Long Beach
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from California State University-Long Beach's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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
Scores aren't just a formality at Cal State Long Beach. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Cal State Long Beach Without SAT or ACT?
Cal State Long Beach neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
California State University-Long Beach Average SAT Score: 1130
Admitted students at California State University-Long Beach average a 1130 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1130 — Less Competitive
A 1130 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1160 SAT) to stand out. Below average? California State University-Long Beach allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1090? A retake is worth it at Cal State Long Beach. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1130 | 1090 | 1160 |
A score under 1090 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1160+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
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?
At 1150, your SAT is squarely in Cal State Long Beach's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Cal State Long Beach
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Cal State Long Beach, admissions looks for reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to land as a top-tier applicant. That's what triggers both admission and the best merit aid.
Treat impacted majors as a two-application process
Majors like Nursing require a separate Supplemental Application beyond Cal State Apply, evaluated against major-specific criteria on top of general CSU eligibility. Meeting general eligibility alone doesn't get you considered.
Calendar the Supplemental Application window the moment you're notified
Unlike the initial Cal State Apply, the Supplemental Application opens and closes on its own fixed, narrow dates - you get several weeks once it opens, but missing that window entirely means missing consideration for that major.
Transfer applicants: check your specific department's earlier deadline
Programs like Art BFA, Dance, Nursing, Interior Design, Music, Social Work, and Athletic Training have earlier departmental deadlines than the general transfer deadline. Confirm your program's actual cutoff directly with that department.
Have a backup major ready if your numbers are borderline
Meeting minimum CSU requirements does not guarantee admission to an impacted major. Compare your actual standing to your target major's specific criteria before submitting, and list a realistic backup major.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes submit Cal State Apply and consider the process done - missing that impacted majors require a second, separate Supplemental Application with its own submission window. Missing that window can mean an otherwise qualified applicant isn't considered for their intended major at all.
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?
At $20,310/year against a $64,403 median graduate salary, Cal State Long Beach is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $67,000, and graduates see a 4.39% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Cal State Long Beach Cost?
Listed tuition runs $20,310/year at Cal State Long Beach. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $8,931.
At Cal State Long Beach, 49.3% receive a Pell Grant and 24.1% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Cal State Long Beach on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Cal State Long Beach Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Cal State Long Beach graduates report a median income of $64,403, about 59% above the U.S. median graduate income.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Cal State Long Beach Admissions
California State University-Long Beach graduates earn a moderate median salary of $64,403/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at California State University-Long Beach is relatively affordable, around $20,310/year.
49.3% of California State University-Long Beach students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
California State University-Long Beach's acceptance rate is 47.1%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted California State University-Long Beach students is 3.7, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.4 puts you in the standard applicant pool at California State University-Long Beach. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.3 or below makes admission tougher at California State University-Long Beach, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
California State University-Long Beach weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1130, and within the 1090–1160 range, keeps you competitive.
California State University-Long Beach's deadline is November 30 (Freshman/Transfer (Fall, domestic)).
California State University-Long Beach charges an application fee of 70; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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