California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), known as “The Beach,” is a major public research university in California with over 42,000 students and a 322-acre campus. It is recognized for strong academics and ranks #3 nationally for social mobility.
The university has about a 46–47% acceptance rate and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as Long Beach State. Estimated tuition is about $8,312 for in-state students and $19,856 for out-of-state students.
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a large public research university located in Long Beach, California. The university has a 322-acre campus and a student population of over 42,000 students, including approximately 36,700 undergraduate students.
Key highlights of CSULB include:
The university is known for providing high-quality education at an affordable cost, making it an attractive destination for international students.
The acceptance rate represents the percentage of applicants who are admitted to a university.
For example:
If 100 students apply and 47 are admitted, the acceptance rate is 47%.
Acceptance rate helps students understand:
However, acceptance rate alone does not determine admission success. Factors like GPA, program demand, and academic performance also play an important role.
The CSULB acceptance rate is approximately 46-47%, which means the university admits nearly half of its applicants each year.
This places CSULB in the moderately selective category.
Over the past decade, the California State University Long Beach acceptance rate has gradually declined due to increased application numbers.
| Year | Acceptance Rate (Approx.) |
| 2012 | 65% |
| 2015 | 58% |
| 2018 | 50% |
| 2022 | 47% |
| 2025 | 46 - 47% |
The decline shows the growing popularity of CSULB among students worldwide.
| University | Acceptance Rate (Approx.) |
| UCLA | 9% |
| UC Berkeley | 11% |
| San Diego State University | 37% |
| CSULB | 46 - 47% |
Compared with top California universities, CSULB offers balanced selectivity and accessibility.
CSULB offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Popular programs include:
| Course | Estimated Annual Tuition |
| Business Administration | $19,856 |
| Computer Science | $19,856 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $19,856 |
| Psychology | $19,856 |
| Film & Electronic Arts | $19,856 |
| Nursing | $19,856 |
Tuition Overview
This makes CSULB one of the more affordable public universities in California.
Students must follow the official admission timeline.
Fall Intake
Spring Intake
Applications are submitted through the Cal State Apply portal.
Undergraduate Requirements
Students applying to undergraduate programs must provide:
Accepted tests include:
Currently, SAT and ACT scores are not required for many applicants.
Postgraduate Requirements
Graduate applicants generally need:
Some programs may require additional departmental criteria.
Academic Requirements & Standards
CSULB ensures that students meet strong academic criteria while maintaining accessibility.
Admission decisions are primarily based on:
Thousands of students apply each year because of:
Programs such as Business, Nursing, and Engineering are especially competitive.
The university follows a structured selection process.
Admissions teams evaluate:
Academic Quality
A moderate acceptance rate allows the university to maintain academic excellence while supporting diverse students.
Competition and Academic Strategies
Students can improve their admission chances by:
Decision-Making Process
Understanding acceptance rates helps students:
California is one of the most expensive states in the United States, but the actual cost of living varies depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are generally more expensive than smaller cities.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost($) |
| Accommodation | 900 - 2,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 300 - 600 |
| Transportation | 80 - 150 |
| Utilities | 120 - 250 |
| Health Insurance | 100 - 200 |
| Personal Expense | 200 - 400 |
| Estimated Total | 1,700 - 3,500 |
Use this tool to calculate your cost of living:
https://acolyteliving.com/cost-of-living
Students choose CSULB for several reasons:
What is the acceptance rate for CSULB?
The CSULB acceptance rate is approximately 46–47%.
Is CSULB hard to get into?
Admission is competitive but achievable for students with strong academic performance and GPA above 3.0.
What GPA is required for CSULB?
Most admitted students have a GPA between 3.0 and 3.8.
Does CSULB require SAT or ACT?
Currently, SAT and ACT scores are not required for many applicants.
What is the tuition fee for international students?
International students typically pay around $19,856 per year in tuition.
The CSULB acceptance rate of around 46–47% reflects a university that balances accessibility with strong academic standards. With affordable tuition, diverse programs, and excellent career opportunities, California State University Long Beach continues to attract students from across the world.
Students who maintain strong academic records and meet admission requirements have a good chance of gaining admission to this respected university.
Planning your studies abroad also means finding the right place to live.
Acolyte Living helps students find safe, modern, and affordable student accommodation near top universities worldwide.
Explore student accommodation with Acolyte Living today and secure your ideal student home before the semester begins.