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: $1,919 per month
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.
2020 - 2021 Cost of Attendance for California Residents
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Mandatory Fees | $7,764 |
$7,764 |
$7,764 |
| Room and Board | $8,704 |
$13,938 |
$13,156 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Transportation | $1,408 |
$1,094 |
$1,266 |
| Personal Expenses (includes loan fees) | $1,972 |
$2,138 |
$2,612 |
| Total |
$20,898 |
$25,984 |
$25,848 |
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.
2020 - 2021 Cost of Attendance for Non-California Residents
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition | $8,712 | $8,712 | $8,712 |
| Tuition and Mandatory Fees | $7,764 | $7,764 | $7,764 |
| Room and Board | $8,704 | $13,938 | $13,156 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Transportation | $1,408 | $1,094 | $1,266 |
| Personal Expenses (includes loan fees) | $1,972 | $2,138 | $2,612 |
| Total | $29,610 | $34,696 | $34,560 |
Cost Tools
CSULB provides several tools to help you estimate the costs associated with earning your degree. We encourage students to use them in order to have a better understanding of the true cost of attendance.
Net Price & Cost Calculator
By answering a few simple questions, the CSULB Net Price & Cost Calculator will present you with an early estimate of your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid at CSULB.
College Scorecard
With the College Scorecard, you can see annual costs at CSULB that factor in room & board, student aid, and your family income.
CSULB Tuition website
Review the current Tuition & Fees information for CSULB.
Housing and Food Services
Research the room and meal rates for On-Campus Housing.