Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given California State University-Long Beach's 47% acceptance rate and selective admission standards, students should build comprehensive college lists that include alternatives with different admission profiles and cost structures.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider California State University-Fullerton with 86.7% acceptance and $62,951 median earnings, located just 15 miles away. La Sierra University accepts 93.3% of applicants while producing graduates earning $61,824, though at higher cost. Westmont College admits 79.9% of applicants with nearly identical earnings of $64,778, located 100 miles north in Santa Barbara County.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in California should consider San Diego State University with similar earnings of $64,909 but more competitive 34.4% admission rate, located 92 miles south. California State University-Fullerton offers comparable outcomes at $62,951 earnings with much higher 86.7% acceptance, just 15 miles away. Cal State San Bernardino provides $59,977 median earnings with 98.3% acceptance rate, 53 miles inland.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
