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· Announced
Cal State Apply opens two months early for fall 2027; submissions still start October 1The CSU application opened in August this year instead of October. What you can do now, what waits until October 1, and the fee waiver.
For the class of 2027.
Getting in
For Fall 2025, 88,276 first-year students applied to Cal State Long Beach, 40,105 were admitted and 5,884 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 45.4%.
Source: CSULB Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | 84,462 | 38,399 | 45.5% |
| Out-of-state | 2,123 | 1,005 | 47.3% |
| International | 1,639 | 701 | 42.8% |
Source: CSULB Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. CSULB's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by major.
Source: CSULB Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Early decision and early action. CSULB has no early decision or early action plan; the Common Data Set answers no to both. There is one Cal State Apply filing period.
Source: CSULB Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Admission to CSULB is very competitive, and many eligible applicants are not offered a place. What each applicant needs:
- Choosing a major. You select a major or undeclared on the application. CSULB makes admission decisions by intended major only.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student Application Process (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- All majors. California residents and graduates of California high schools need at least a 2.5 a-g GPA and a CSULB Index of 3,200 to be considered; other applicants need a 3.0 GPA and an index of 3,500.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student Admission Eligibility (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- STEM majors. Applicants are ranked by a STEM Index that puts more weight on quantitative skills, with a minimum of 3,600 to be considered. Admission is to a pre-major.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student Admission Eligibility (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- How the indexes are built. The CSULB Index combines your college preparatory GPA with your math and English GPAs; the STEM Index uses your math and science GPAs.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student CSULB Index (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Music and Dance. An audition is mandatory; eligible applicants are admitted on the faculty's evaluation of it.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student Admission Eligibility (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Nursing. Admission is to Pre-Nursing. You apply to the Nursing department for the major at the junior level.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student Admission Eligibility (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applicants from CSULB's local area (by high school of graduation) and military applicants are offered admission if they meet the minimum index for their major, or as undeclared if they meet the CSULB minimum but not the major's. Other applicants are ranked by index for the space available.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student Admission Eligibility (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
141 majors across 7 schools. Every bachelor's program in CSULB's official 2026-2027 Catalog, grouped by the college that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Options are listed as the catalog lists them; combined bachelor's and master's programs, minors, certificates and graduate programs are left out.
College of the Arts28
- Art History (B.A.)
- Art, 3-D Media (Fiber, Metal or Wood) Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Animation Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Art Education Option (B.A.)
- Art, Art Photography Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Ceramics Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Drawing and Painting Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Graphic Design Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Illustration Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Printmaking Option (B.F.A.)
- Art, Sculpture Option (B.F.A.)
- Studio Art (B.A.)
- Cinematic Arts (B.A.)
- Dance (B.A.)
- Dance (B.F.A.)
- Dance Science (B.S.)
- Design (B.A.)
- Industrial Design (B.S.)
- Interior Design (B.F.A.)
- Music (B.A.)
- Music, Composition Option (B.M.)
- Music, Music Education: Choral-Vocal Music Option (B.M.)
- Music, Music Education: Instrumental Music Option (B.M.)
- Music, Performance Option (B.M.)
- Acting (B.F.A.)
- Theatre Arts (B.A.)
- Theatre Arts, Performance: Acting Option (B.A.)
- Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre: Scenery/Costume/Lighting Design Option (B.A.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Business8
- Business Administration, Accountancy Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, Finance Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, Human Resource Management Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, International Business Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, Management Information Systems Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, Management Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, Marketing Option (B.S.)
- Business Administration, Operations and Supply Chain Management Option (B.S.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Education1
- Liberal Studies (B.A.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Hung Family College of Engineering13
- Aerospace Engineering (B.S.)
- Applied Data Science (B.S.)
- Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)
- Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
- Civil Engineering (B.S.)
- Computer Engineering (B.S.)
- Computer Engineering Technology (B.S.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Construction Management (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
- Electronics Engineering Technology (B.S.)
- Environmental Engineering (B.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Health and Human Services25
- Athletic Training (B.S.)
- Child and Family Studies, Child Development Option (B.A.)
- Child and Family Studies, Family Science and Community Services Option (B.A.)
- Consumer Affairs (B.A.)
- Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.S.)
- Fashion Merchandising and Design, Fashion Design Option (B.A.)
- Fashion Merchandising and Design, Fashion Merchandising Option (B.A.)
- Health Care Administration (B.S.)
- Health Care Administration, Healthcare Data Analytics Option (B.S.)
- Health Care Administration, Risk Management and Safety Option (B.S.)
- Hospitality Management (B.S.)
- Kinesiology, Exercise Science Option (B.S.)
- Kinesiology, Fitness Option (B.S.)
- Kinesiology, Physical Education - Teacher Education Option (B.A.)
- Kinesiology, Sport Psychology and Leadership Option (B.S.)
- Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science Option (B.S.)
- Nutrition and Food Science, Nutrition Option (B.S.)
- Public Health, Community Health Education Option (B.S.)
- Public Health, Health Advocacy and Policy Option (B.S.)
- Public Health, School Health Education Option (B.S.)
- Recreation (B.A.)
- Recreation Therapy (B.S.)
- Social Work (B.A.S.W.)
- Speech-Language Pathology (B.A.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Liberal Arts45
- Africana Studies (B.A.)
- American Sign Language Linguistics and Deaf Cultures (B.A.)
- American Sign Language Linguistics and Deaf Cultures, ASL - English Interpreting Option (B.A.)
- American Studies (B.A.)
- Anthropology (B.A.)
- Asian American Studies (B.A.)
- Asian Studies (B.A.)
- Business Economics (B.A.)
- Chicano and Latino Studies (B.A.)
- Chinese Studies (B.A.)
- Classics (B.A.)
- Communication Studies (B.A.)
- Comparative World Literature (B.A.)
- Economics (B.S.)
- Economics, Mathematical Economics and Economic Theory Option (B.S.)
- English, Creative Writing Option (B.A.)
- English, English Education Option (B.A.)
- English, Literature Option (B.A.)
- English, Rhetoric and Composition Option (B.A.)
- Environmental Science and Policy (B.A.)
- Environmental Science and Policy (B.S.)
- French and Francophone Studies (B.A.)
- French and Francophone Studies, Interdisciplinary Option (B.A.)
- Geography (B.A.)
- Geography (B.S.)
- German (B.A.)
- Global Studies (B.A.)
- History (B.A.)
- Human Development (B.A.)
- Italian Studies (B.A.)
- Japanese (B.A.)
- Journalism (B.A.)
- Liberal Arts (B.A.)
- Linguistics (B.A.)
- Linguistics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Option (B.A.)
- Linguistics, Translation Studies Option (B.A.)
- Modern Jewish Studies (B.A.)
- Philosophy (B.A.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.A.)
- Public Relations (B.A.)
- Religious Studies (B.A.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Spanish (B.A.)
- Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics21
- Applied Statistics (B.S.)
- Biochemistry (B.A.)
- Biochemistry (B.S.)
- Biology (B.S.)
- Biology, Biology Education Option (B.S.)
- Biology, Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology Option (B.S.)
- Biology, Zoology, Botany, and Ecology Option (B.S.)
- Chemistry (B.A.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Materials Science (B.S.)
- Earth Systems (B.S.)
- Geology (B.S.)
- Marine Biology (B.S.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Mathematics, Applied Mathematics Option (B.S.)
- Mathematics, Mathematics Education Option (B.S.)
- Microbiology (B.S.)
- Multidisciplinary Sciences (B.A.)
- Physics (B.A.)
- Physics (B.S.)
- Physics, Materials Science Option (B.S.)
Source: CSULB 2026-2027 Catalog, Colleges and Departments (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cal State Apply | November 30 | Mid-February to April | No |
You apply through Cal State Apply. You can start working on the application on August 1, 2026; submission opens October 1, 2026, and the deadline is November 30, 2026. Decisions come by email from mid-February to April 2027, and the enrollment deposit is due May 1, 2027.
Source: CSULB Enrollment Services, Key Dates and Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
The CSU does not use the SAT or ACT for admission, and the tests are not considered in CSULB's decision. If you are offered admission, you may send official scores, which are used for placement.
Source: CSULB Admissions, First-Time, First-Year Student CSULB Index (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
The Common Data Set agrees: it answers no to using SAT or ACT scores in admission.
Source: CSULB Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8A. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Changes already in effect
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
- Language. The CSU language requirement means two years, or through the second level, of the same language, or two one-year first-level courses. You may not mix semesters of different languages or use partial units to meet it.
Source: California State University, Admission Handbook 2027-2028 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Arts. The CSU arts requirement is one year-long course or two semester courses in dance, music, theatre, visual arts or interdisciplinary arts, both semesters finished before you graduate from high school.
Source: California State University, Admission Handbook 2027-2028 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked Cal State Long Beach's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: CSULB Enrollment Services, Key Dates and Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at Cal State Long Beach, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,838 | $6,838 |
| Nonresident tuition | $0 | $12,246 |
| Mandatory fees | $1,910 | $1,910 |
| Housing (campus housing) | $12,034 | $12,034 |
| Food | $6,520 | $6,520 |
| Books, course materials, supplies and equipment | $1,806 | $1,806 |
| Transportation | $1,386 | $1,386 |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses | $3,968 | $3,968 |
| Total | $34,462 | $46,708 |
For a student in campus housing. CSULB's budget for a California resident is $28,860 living at home and $42,476 off campus.
Source: CSULB Financial Aid and Scholarships, Undergraduate Costs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $7,183 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $7,831 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $9,705 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $12,630 |
| Over $110,000 | $19,750 |
| All incomes | $10,440 |
What first-year, full-time in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from CSULB's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to California State University, Long Beach on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
University of California, DavisDavis, CA · Public44.3% admitted$14,741 average net price
University of WashingtonSeattle, WA · Public41.7% admitted$14,091 average net price
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA · Public37.4% admitted$15,364 average net price
University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA · Public38.2% admitted$16,109 average net price
University of Maryland, College ParkCollege Park, MD · Public45% admitted$15,678 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.