Students at California State University-Long Beach achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, while paying some of the lowest net prices among public universities nationwide.
This rare combination of strong financial outcomes and exceptional affordability creates outstanding value for families across all income levels.
California State University-Long Beach stands out as a rare combination of exceptional affordability and strong long-term financial outcomes. As a large public university serving nearly half Pell Grant recipients and close to half first-generation students, Cal State Long Beach demonstrates that broad access doesn't require compromising on results. The university's graduates earn a median of $64,403 ten years after enrollment, with earnings that consistently exceed expectations compared with similar institutions nationwide.
What makes Cal State Long Beach particularly compelling is its position as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine high access with strong outcomes for low-income students. Nearly 49% of students receive Pell Grants, yet low-income graduates earn $51,600 at the ten-year mark, placing the university in the top quartile nationally for low-income student outcomes. The 22% transfer-in rate shows the university serves as an important pathway for students seeking to complete their degrees or change academic direction.
Located in Long Beach, California, the university offers the scale and resources of a major public institution while maintaining net prices that rank among the most affordable nationwide. For families seeking a public university that delivers both access and results, Cal State Long Beach represents an exceptional value proposition that few institutions can match.
California State University-Long Beach offers a diverse program portfolio that consistently delivers strong career outcomes across multiple fields. Business Administration and Management leads both in scale and aggregate impact, graduating 1,443 students annually with median earnings of $44,055 — a combination that makes it the university's economic engine. The program's substantial enrollment reflects both student demand and employer recognition of Cal State Long Beach business graduates in Southern California's competitive job market.
Nursing represents the university's highest-earning field, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $85,795 annually, demonstrating the university's strength in healthcare preparation. This reflects California's strong demand for healthcare professionals and the university's ability to prepare students for high-value careers. Family and Consumer Sciences, while showing more moderate earnings at $31,529, enrolls 506 students and represents the university's commitment to serving diverse academic interests and career paths.
The university's program mix balances professional preparation with comprehensive academic offerings. From high-earning nursing and business programs to specialized fields like music performance, Cal State Long Beach provides pathways for students with varied interests while maintaining strong connections to regional employment markets. This diversity, combined with the university's consistent ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations, makes it an attractive option for students seeking both academic breadth and career-focused preparation.
California State University-Long Beach delivers strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Graduates earn a median of $64,403 ten years after enrollment, with the university ranking in the top 17% nationally for earnings performance. What's particularly impressive is that graduates earn approximately $3,616 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the stronger "earnings beyond expectations" advantages among public universities. This earnings premium demonstrates the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes.
The university's program mix drives much of this strong performance. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program with 1,443 graduates and the highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with solid median earnings of $44,055. Adult Health Nursing represents the highest-earning field with graduates earning $85,795, showcasing the university's strength in professional programs that lead directly to well-compensated careers. Family and Consumer Sciences enrolls 506 students with more moderate earnings, while specialized programs like music performance show the university's comprehensive academic breadth.
Cal State Long Beach's location in Southern California provides access to diverse employment markets, from healthcare and business to entertainment and technology sectors. The university's ability to consistently deliver earnings that outperform expectations, combined with strong program-level outcomes across professional fields, makes it a reliable choice for students focused on long-term financial success.
California State University-Long Beach ranks among the most affordable public universities nationwide, with net prices that make higher education accessible across income levels. Low-income students pay just $5,477 annually, well below national averages and placing the university in the top tier for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs of $9,063, while even high-income families pay $18,575 — all representing exceptional value for a comprehensive public university in California.
The university's affordability extends beyond sticker price to manageable debt levels. Typical graduates leave with $14,289 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that aligns well with the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,881, reflecting families' ability to contribute while keeping overall debt loads reasonable. With a 0% federal loan default rate, the university demonstrates that its combination of affordable pricing and strong earnings outcomes creates sustainable financial pathways for graduates.
What makes Cal State Long Beach particularly attractive is how its affordability doesn't come at the expense of quality or outcomes. The university maintains both exceptional affordability and strong long-term earnings, creating a value proposition that few institutions can match. This combination makes higher education accessible to families across the economic spectrum while ensuring graduates can comfortably manage any debt they do take on.
California State University-Long Beach Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
