California State University, Long Beach SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Because Cal State Long Beach is test-free, a higher SAT or ACT score will not improve your admission odds here. With a 46.3% acceptance rate and a 3.67 average GPA, your best target is a strong CSU GPA, rigorous senior-year schedule, and a balanced college list where your test scores can still add value.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University, Long Beach facts and stats
California State University, Long Beach enrolls 35,843 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Cal State Long Beach has an 87% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 69% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26:1. Cal State Long Beach uses a test-free admissions policy.
Long Beach, CA
How does your GPA compare at Cal State Long Beach?

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Key California State University, Long Beach application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Cal State Long Beach is test-free, so SAT and ACT scores are not used for admission, including for the November 30 Regular Decision deadline. You do not need to schedule SAT/ACT retakes for this school; retakes and superscoring only matter for other colleges on your list that consider test scores.
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What you'll actually pay
Cal State Long Beach is a Big West Conference public university with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $17,004. About 55% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 2.

At Cal State Long Beach, out-of-state tuition is $17,004, while in-state tuition is $6,084; room and board adds about $16,666. Aid is an important part of the cost picture, with 55% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $16,791. Merit awards average $1,280. Graduates leave with an average debt of $17,072.
Student life at California State University, Long Beach
20% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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