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 - California Residents

Amounts below are based on enrollment in 11 units per semester, which is the average number of units Credential students enroll in each semester. Enrolling in fewer units may change your costs. All costs are subject to change without notice.

Cost of Attendance - Non CA Residents

Amounts below are based on enrollment in 11 units per semester, which is the average number of units Credential students enroll in each semester. Enrolling in fewer units may change your costs. All costs are subject to change without notice.

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 fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change 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, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).

Cost of Attendance Components:

• Tuition and Mandatory Fees: Cost paid to CSULB for courses, includes mandatory campus fees
• Living Expenses (housing and food): The typical 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, course materials, supplies, and equipment: The average cost of books course materials, supplies, and equipment per academic year. This includes the cost of a computer.
• Transportation: The average transportation cost of traveling to and from CSULB
  • Amount does not include car payments, insurance, parking, or vehicle maintenance
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: The average amount for personal expenses—from clothing and laundry to going to a movie or buying a pizza—each year

The Cost of Attendance provides an estimate of typical costs students may encounter while enrolled.  Actual costs will vary based upon the specific unique circumstances, choices, and living situations of each student.  Students and their families are encouraged to use the cost of attendance information provided to budget, compare, and plan out their specific expected expenses.    
 

For informational purposes only: In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990 and California Senate Bill 467, California State University, Long Beach provides thetypicalmarket costs of the following*: 

1 Bedroom Apartment: $1,825 per month
2 Bedroom Apartment: $2,395 per month
Renting a Room in a Private Home: $1,250 per month

*Data sources:  zumper.com, zillow.com, roomies.com, apartments.com as of February 2025
 

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