Costs
How much does it cost to attend CSULB?
Tuition and fees consist of the basic registration fee and other University activity and facility fees. The amount a student must pay is based on the following:
- Undergraduate or Graduate standing
- Number of units attempting (0-6 units is a reduced fee)
- California residency status
For more information regarding Registration Fees, see Fees and Charges.
Students enrolling for classes through College of Continuing & Professional Education (CCPE) pay costs based on a separate fee schedule. Contact CCPE for more information.
What are the average student expenses?
Average student expenses vary depending on living arrangements. The table below shows the estimated costs of attendance used to determine eligibility for financial aid for Undergraduate Students* for the 2012 - 2013 academic year. Students' actual costs may differ.
The figures for Tuition & Mandatory Fees displayed below reflect the amounts approved by the CSU Board of Trustees on July 12, 2011.
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees * | $6,738 | $6,738 | $6,738 |
| Room and Board | $4,400 | $11,300 | $11,534 |
| Books | $1,666 | $1,666 | $1,666 |
| Travel | $1,482 | $1,378 | $1,444 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,860 | $2,694 | $2,656 |
| TOTAL | $17,146 | $23,776 | $24,038 |
* Graduate/Post Baccalaureate Tuition & Mandatory Fees total $8,124. Credential Tuition & Mandatory Fees total $7,698.
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition** | $9,672 | $9,672 | $9,672 |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees* | $6,738 | $6,738 | $6,738 |
| Room and Board | $4,400 | $11,300 | $11,534 |
| Books | $1,666 | $1,666 | $1,666 |
| Travel | $1,482 | $1,378 | $1,444 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,860 | $2,694 | $2,656 |
| TOTAL | $26,818 | $33,448 | $33,710 |
** Non-Resident students are assessed an additional $372 per unit. The standard budget (example given above) of $9,672 assumes enrollment in 13 units each semester (26 units total for the academic year).
* Graduate/Post Baccalaureate Tuition & Mandatory Fees total $8,124. Credential Tuition & Mandatory Fees total $7,698.
What payment options are available?
Generally, fees must be paid 30 days from the date you register for classes. For specific information regarding payment options and deadlines, contact the Bursar's Office. An Installment Plan is available for those who need to spread their fees over multiple payments, and there are also a limited number of short-term loans to assist students with fee payment. Contact the Bursar's Office for more information.
Students receiving financial aid may be eligible for a Financial Aid Fee Deferment which enables a student to postpone payment of class registration fees until their financial aid is disbursed. If for some reason a student does not complete the financial aid process or is found to be ineligible for financial aid, the financial aid fee deferment will be cancelled, and the student will be responsible for submitting payment by the fee payment deadline.
Students who file their FAFSAs after March 2nd may be required to pay fees with their own funds. In addition, if the financial aid award is not sufficient to cover all fees, the student will be required to pay the outstanding balance due.