Credential Student Costs

Cost of Attendance, or a budget, is broadly defined as the average cost to attend CSULB for one academic year, which consists of the Fall and Spring semesters.  The Cost of Attendance budget helps you and the Financial Aid Office determine approximately how much money you need to attend CSULB, and how much financial aid you need to meet that goal. 

Cost of Attendance Components

• Tuition & Mandatory Fees: Cost paid to CSULB for courses, includes mandatory campus fees
• Room and Board: The average cost per academic year to live in Long Beach while attending CSULB. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances (on-campus, off-campus, living at home)
  • Commuter Room and Board reflect the lower costs of living at home
  • On-Campus Room and Board is the average housing contract amount plus the 21-meal option
  • Off-Campus Room and Board assume a roommate
• Books: The average amount students spend on books and educational supplies
• Transportation: The average transportation cost of travelling to and from CSULB
  • Amount does not include car payments, insurance, parking, or vehical maintenance
• Personal Expenses: The average amount for personal expenses—from clothing and laundry to going to a movie or buying a pizza—each year

For informational purposes only: In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, California State University, Long Beach provides the typical market cost of a one bedroom apartment in the Long Beach area: 1 Bedroom: $1,907 per month