CSULB student enrollment for fall 2025 climbs to record levels

Cal State Long Beach kicks off its fall 2025 semester today with the largest enrollment in the university’s 76-year history, a nod to the university’s enduring strength and continued value.

Some 42,355 students are enrolled at CSULB this fall as of the start of the semester, up from around 41,000 last fall. Final fall enrollment is established at census, which is declared in October.

The achievement builds on the momentum of fall 2024, when the university welcomed its largest incoming class of 11,300 undergraduates, said Steven Salcido, assistant vice president of Admission & Enrollment Management.

“CSULB has always drawn record numbers of applicants, but this year was different,” Salcido said. “By working closely with associate deans, support staff and everyone across the campus, we figured out how to welcome — and welcome back — more students than ever before."

The university’s consistent record of advancing socioeconomic opportunities confirms why more students are choosing The Beach to further their education.

Earlier this year, CSULB was once again included among one of the “Best Colleges of America” and in the top 10% of schools nationwide for ROI. The university is also one of only 27 higher-education institutions nationwide to earn both the Research 2 (R2) and the new Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU) designation, which recognizes colleges and universities that provide high levels of access and strong economic outcomes for students.  

The Beach ranks No. 3 for social mobility and is consistently the most applied to university in the CSU system.

“We’ve really balanced our access mission with excellence,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen. “We’ve balanced being a real anchor institution for the community with being a hot destination for people around the state and nationwide."

Other draws are The Beach's vibrant campus life, strong support system for students, academic rigor and our deep commitment to inclusion and equity, Lesen added.

"We are really the best of all worlds,” Lesen said.

Tahani Anderson, a transfer student and professional dancer, committed to CSULB at the annual Day at The Beach event in April.

The open house attracted some 14,500 newly admitted students, their families and guests. By day's end, nearly 700 students had signed up at the admissions table, officially committing to The Beach.

“It’s such a welcoming campus. I’m such a big energy person, and if I feel there’s something that may not align with me, I won’t go that route," Anderson said. "But right now, I’m just like, ‘Go Beach!'... I feel so warmly welcomed."