California State University, Long Beach (CSULB): Costs & Guide for International Students

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a large public university in Long Beach, in Los Angeles County, and one of the most applied-to campuses in the California State University system. It is known for engineering, business, nursing, film and design, kinesiology, and the arts, and for its landmark Walter Pyramid. Because of high demand, many majors are impacted. This guide covers costs, programmes, and F-1 and OPT rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), a public university in Long Beach, California
• Admission: one of the most applied-to CSU campuses, with many impacted majors
• International tuition and fees (CSULB's page): about US$19,646 a year for undergraduates and US$18,434 for graduate students
• Estimated living expenses: US$26,332 a year; medical insurance: US$1,900
• Estimated total (CSULB figures): about US$47,000 to US$48,000 a year; CSULB's I-20 affidavit has listed US$47,204 for undergraduates
• Nonresident tuition: US$471 per unit (CSU systemwide, 2026-27)
• Known for: engineering, business, nursing, film and design, kinesiology, and the arts

Rankings and reputation

CSULB is ranked among the top public regional universities in the US and is recognised for value and social mobility. It is not highly placed in global research tables. Judge it on programme and cost.

Academics and signature programs

CSULB offers majors in engineering, computer science, business, accounting, nursing, kinesiology, film, design, music, dance, and communication, plus graduate programmes. Many majors are impacted, so admission can be competitive. Ask about STEM designation.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission is based on academic records and English. After admission, the university issues an I-20, and you apply for an F-1 visa. Some impacted majors have higher requirements.

English language requirements

• CSU campuses commonly require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61 for undergraduates; check your campus
• Graduate programmes often require higher scores
• Some campuses offer conditional admission with English study
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application goes through Cal State Apply and includes transcripts, English results, passport details, and financial documents for the I-20.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

CSULB lists international tuition and fees of about US$19,646 a year for undergraduates and US$18,434 for graduate students, plus estimated living expenses of US$26,332 and medical insurance of US$1,900. Its I-20 documents have used a total of about US$47,204 for undergraduates. Personal expenses of about US$423 a month are not included.

Estimated living costs

• F-1 applicants must show proof of funds covering at least a year of costs
• F-1 rules restrict off-campus work, so plan for little income while studying
• On-campus housing and meal plans offer predictable costs for first-year students
• Health insurance meeting the university's standards is generally required
• Winters can be cold in the northern states, so budget for winter clothing

Scholarships

International students have limited access to need-based aid. Ask about campus and departmental scholarships.

Campus life and student support

CSULB's campus is large and green, with the blue Walter Pyramid arena, a Japanese garden, residence halls, and Division I athletics. Long Beach's beaches and port are nearby.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Long Beach and Los Angeles offer jobs in aerospace, logistics (the Port of Long Beach), health care, entertainment, and technology. CSULB has strong employer links. International students need CPT and OPT.

US Optional Practical Training

After completing a US degree, F-1 graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training, which allows up to 12 months of work related to their field, extendable by 24 months for STEM-designated programs. OPT is tied to the degree, so time on a pathway alone does not create post-study work rights. Confirm your program's STEM status with the international office, and check current rules with the US government.

How CSU tuition works for international students

California State University campuses charge systemwide tuition (US$6,838 a year for undergraduates in 2026-27) plus campus fees, and international and other nonresident students pay an extra US$471 per semester unit. A full-time undergraduate taking 12 units each semester pays about US$11,304 a year in nonresident tuition on top of resident charges, so total tuition and fees are usually about US$19,000 to US$25,000 a year depending on the campus and units taken. This makes CSU campuses among the more affordable public options for international students in the US.

Impacted majors and admission

Some CSU majors, such as nursing, computer science, and some engineering and business programmes, are impacted, meaning they have more applicants than places and higher admission standards. International applicants may need higher grades for these majors. Check impaction status for your major and campus before applying, and consider a backup major.

Engineering and design

CSULB's College of Engineering offers aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and biomedical engineering, with links to Southern California's aerospace industry. Its design and film programmes are also well known. Ask about labs and internships.

Living in Long Beach

Long Beach is a coastal city with beaches, a harbour, and a lively downtown. Rents are high but lower than parts of Los Angeles. Buses and the Metro A Line connect to Los Angeles.

CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT

F-1 students can do internships through Curricular Practical Training when the work is part of the curriculum, and can work after graduation through Optional Practical Training, usually 12 months. Graduates of STEM-designated programmes can apply for a 24-month extension. Check your major's CIP code and talk to the international office before accepting any job.

Visa and arrival steps

After admission, the university issues an I-20. You pay the SEVIS fee, book an F-1 visa interview, and arrive before orientation with financial documents showing you can pay the full estimated cost.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current CSULB students about impacted majors, housing, internships, and campus life. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students on F-1 visas are generally required to carry health insurance meeting the university's standards. Budget for the SEVIS I-901 fee, the visa fee, and flights, and prepare for a visa interview, whose waiting times vary by country.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, English placement where needed, and learning how US classes work, with regular assignments and participation. Students who use tutoring and advising early tend to reach progression targets more comfortably.

A realistic budget

CSULB's figures suggest about US$47,000 to US$48,000 a year before personal expenses, or about US$190,000 for four years.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the full cost of attendance for international students?
• Is my major impacted?
• Is my major STEM-designated?
• What housing is available?
• How do internships and CPT work?
• What scholarships can international students receive?

Who CSULB suits best

CSULB suits students who want a well-regarded public university in coastal Southern California with strong engineering, business, and arts programmes. It may suit less well students who need guaranteed entry to impacted majors.

CSULB compared with other CSU campuses

CSULB is more selective than many CSU campuses. Cal State Fullerton, Dominguez Hills, and Los Angeles are nearby alternatives. Compare programme, impaction, and cost.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay any deposit, and receive your I-20.
5. Apply for your F-1 visa and prepare for the interview.
6. Arrange travel and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Order certified transcripts and translations, arrange financial documents, and check that your passport is valid for the whole study period. Keep written confirmation of program costs, scholarships, and progression terms.

Key takeaway

CSULB is one of the most sought-after CSU campuses. Apply early, check impaction, and plan for Southern California living costs.

Support for international students

CSU international offices help with I-20s, orientation, maintaining F-1 status, CPT and OPT applications, and travel signatures. Campuses also offer tutoring, writing centres, counselling, and student clubs, including cultural associations. Using these services early helps you settle in and avoid visa mistakes.

Comparing total costs

When comparing CSULB with other campuses, use each university's own international estimate and add personal expenses. CSULB's living estimate is higher than inland campuses because of coastal rents.

Frequently asked questions