Navigating the CSU Tuition Increase

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At the September 2023 CSU Board of Trustee’s meeting, the decision was made to raise tuition costs by 6% per year over the next five years. The increase will go into effect for the Fall 2024 semester. Read more via CSU Board of Trustees Approves Multi-Year Tuition Proposal (calstate.edu). 
 
Over 50% of CSULB students’ tuition and fees are fully covered by state and federal grant programs. One third of the revenue generated by the tuition increase will be allocated toward financial aid. This allocation is called the State University Grant. It is essentially the way we invest one third of all tuition collected into financial aid for our students.

California State University, Long Beach understands that this tuition increase will impact many students pursuing their studies at The Beach. All the University faculty and staff are committed to eliminating financial barriers to attaining your degrees. We don’t control tuition levels, but we do create programs to assist Beach students who may be feeling financially insecure. CSULB has services and program to support you.
 

Financial Support

• Increased Federal Work Study funding is available (2024-2025 academic year) to help students off-set educational expenses.  
• Most students who qualify for the State University Grant and Cal Grant programs pay $0 tuition out of pocket and will continue to pay $0 out of pocket. 
• CSU Long Beach offers a comprehensive BeachScholarships website to make applying for scholarships more user-friendly. 
• Recent improvements have been implemented to streamline and simplify Financial Aid appeal processes for students experiencing unexpected financial hardships. 
• Access to Financial Aid Counseling is flexible and offered via appointment, drop-in, phone, and via the web. 
• Some students may qualify for other financial assistance programs
• Students may sign up for a payment plan with Student Financial Services so that tuition and fee payments are met in a timely manner

Assistance Programs and Resources

• Basic Needs: assists and immediately serves students who have been displaced, experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, an emergency, and/or a crisis. 
• Beach Pantry: provides food items for students in need. No questions asked. 
• Bob Murphy Access Center: promotes the success of students with visible and invisible disabilities.
• CalFresh: nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. We can help you sign up.
• CalWORKs: a social service program provides benefits (financial assistance, childcare, transportation, and more) to families with minor children. 
• CAPS: counseling and psychological services for students of all backgrounds, value systems, and lifestyles. 
• Career Development Center: career counseling, employer connections, and professional development opportunities to help prepare students to become skilled and productive members of the workforce. 
• CARES: provides early intervention and crisis mitigation for students.
• Dream Success Center: provides holistic services, resources, and support to members of the Beach community impacted by immigration policy  
• Farmers’ Market: regular access to fresh, affordable food. 
• Isabel Patterson Child Development Center (IPCDC): affordable child care and early education is available for students, including those with high financial need
• Paid Internships: Several programs to place students in career enhancing internships that come with a stipend. 
• Preventive Dental Clinic: monthly visits from community dentists to offer services to improve dental health.
• Professional Clothing Closet: gently used professional clothing to assist in preparing for job interviews or other professional activities.
• Student Health Services: promotes overall wellness though affordable and accessible high quality health services and education. 

These services have been created to support your academic success. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need additional support!