First-Time, First-Year Special Programs

The University Honors Program at California State University, Long Beach, aims to recruit students who are not only academically high-achieving but also those who are planning to be meaningfully engaged in the CSULB campus and its surrounding communities. Honors students are leaders, stewards of their environment, global citizens, creative thinkers, and risk-takers in their education.

Visit the University Honors website for more information. 

California State University (CSULB) has long been committed to providing entering first-time students the tools and support to graduate in a timely manner. The California Promise Program (Senate Bill 412) enables CSULB to establish the Beach Pledge Program which provides an opportunity for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete their baccalaureate degrees in four years.  The program is limited to students who are residents of California.  

For more information, visit the Beach Pledge Program.

This program encourages applicants from targeted communities based on low socioeconomic status and historically low rates of college going to submit supplemental materials for a holistic admissions review. A limited number of applicants will be admitted based on, community involvement/leadership, overcoming significant hardship, and potential for degree completion.  If you qualify for this program, you will be notified via email with instructions on how to apply.  

For more information, please contact University Outreach and School Relations.  

At California State University, Long Beach, we believe students are most successful when they experience meaningful connections as part of a community that welcomes learners from all backgrounds and experiences. Beach XP, short for Beach Experience, is a program for incoming first-time, first year students that aims to establish peer networks, enhance learning, build career connections, and cultivate community through friendship and fun. 

Students enrolled in Beach XP enter into college-specific cohorts, and meet with the same peers each week for designated courses that count toward their general education or major-specific requirements. This new program is designed to create connections and support our students' educational goals, bringing important opportunities and resources directly to them. 

For more information, visit the Beach XP page.

The Special Admission process is a means by which applicants who may not meet the California State University Long Beach (CSULB) admission requirements due to a disability, but who are otherwise qualified, may request special consideration for admission. The Special Admissions Committee facilitates this process by consulting with Enrollment Services while providing additional information about each applicant’s special circumstances. It is the committee’s function to evaluate disability documentation using guidelines established by the California State University (CSU) system. All applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Visit the Bob Murphy Access Center for resources.

California residents who are age 60 years or older may attend classes at CSULB by applying and completing admission via the Older Adult Degree Program. Through this pathway, qualifying applicants may see greatly reduced fees but still must complete general university requirements for admission, registration, and enrollment.

Learn more about the Older Adult Degree Program (60+).

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students.

EOP provides the following services:

• Assistance with the admissions and financial aid application  process
• Full-service academic and personal support program
• EOP 100 Orientation course for first-time, first-year students
• EOP 300 Orientation course for EOP Transfer Students
• Free tutorial services
• Laptop Loan Program
• Peer Mentoring Program
• Summer Bridge Program
• EOP 2-Night Program
• EOP Student Organization (ESO)
• Career Guidance

How and when do I apply to EOP?

To be considered for EOP you must indicate your interest in the program by checking the appropriate section on the CSU application. Once you have submitted your on-line University application you will be able to fill out the EOP Application on Cal State Apply.  Your EOP file will be complete once we have received the completed Applicant Information Form and two Recommendation Forms. 

• Fall Applicants: the CSU application must be submitted October 1–November 30.
• Spring Applicants: the CSU application must be submitted August 1–31. 

Considering enrolling in a California community college? You could be eligible for a new CSU dual admission program that guarantees you a spot at Cal State Long Beach after you complete 3 years of community college.

Applications open August 1 - September 30, 2024. Learn more via Transfer Success Pathway.