California State University-Long Beach demonstrates exceptional affordability compared to peer institutions and national averages. The university's published cost of attendance totals $20,310 per year, including $7,008 in-state tuition, $15,612 for room and board, and $1,490 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $20,310 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,888 |
| Room and Board | $15,612 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,490 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,379 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $8,931 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $5,477 |
| $30–48k | $6,191 |
| $48–75k | $9,063 |
| $75–110k | $12,787 |
| $110k+ | $18,575 |
California State University-Long Beach demonstrates exceptional affordability compared to peer institutions and national averages. The university's published cost of attendance totals $20,310 per year, including $7,008 in-state tuition, $15,612 for room and board, and $1,490 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $8,931 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $11,379 through institutional and federal aid programs.
This net price of $8,931 sits significantly below the peer median of $15,590, creating $6,659 in additional savings compared to similar institutions. The university's affordability index ranks at the 92.8th percentile with excellent performance, reflecting exceptional value for students and families. California State University-Long Beach's cost structure particularly benefits lower-income students, with net prices ranging from $5,477 for families earning under $30,000 to $18,575 for families earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
California State University-Long Beach graduates carry exceptionally manageable debt loads compared to national and peer averages. Median student debt totals just $14,289, significantly below the peer median of $20,000, creating $5,711 in debt savings compared to similar institutions.
Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with modest borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates that typical graduates can service their student loans with approximately 22% of their annual income, well within manageable ranges recommended by financial experts.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $16,881, with monthly payments of $222, representing additional family borrowing for some students. The combination of low median debt and solid earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California State University-Long Beach delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $3,615 beyond expectations relative to similar students, demonstrating above-average value creation.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates sustainable borrowing levels that allow graduates to service loans while maintaining financial flexibility. Compared to peer institutions, CSULB graduates earn $3,860 more annually while carrying $5,711 less debt, creating a particularly favorable financial profile.
The university's net price advantage of $6,659 compared to peer institutions provides immediate cost savings while maintaining competitive career outcomes. With median earnings of $64,403 and exceptionally low debt of $14,289, graduates are well-positioned for long-term financial success and wealth building.
California State University-Long Beach serves a financially diverse student body with substantial aid concentrations. With 49.3% of students receiving Pell grants, the university enrolls nearly twice the national average of Pell-eligible students, indicating strong commitment to serving lower-income families.
The $11,379 average financial aid savings represents 56% of the total cost of attendance, demonstrating significant aid leveraging. Net price reductions are most pronounced for lower-income students, with families under $30,000 receiving aid that reduces their net cost to just $5,477 - a 73% reduction from sticker price.
This aid targeting aligns with the university's role as a Mobility Engine institution, where access and outcomes combine effectively. The progressive aid structure ensures that financial barriers are minimized for students from lower-income backgrounds while maintaining affordability for middle-income families.
