College Costs in Long Beach, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Long Beach, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$4,169
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$9,960
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,546
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Long Beach Overview
Population
466,742
Student Population
18,217 (3.9%)
Cost of Living Index
116 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
60/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
College Cost Calculator for Long Beach
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,460
Total After Financial Aid
$86,460
Annual Cost
$21,615
Annual After Aid
$21,615
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,460 |
| Monthly Payment | $982 |
| Total Interest | $31,348 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,808 |
Universities in Long Beach
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Long Beach | Public | $6,798 |
| Long Beach City College | Public | $1,540 |
| Pacific Coast University School of Law | Private | $9,960 |
| Long Beach City College | Community | $1,540 |
Long Beach has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Long Beach vs. National Average
| Category | Long Beach | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $4,169 | $10,940 | -$6,771 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,546 | $1,050 | +$496 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 100 | +16 |
Long Beach's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Long Beach
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
18,217 students
Long Beach has a total population of 466,742, with approximately 18,217 college students (3.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Long Beach offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Long Beach
$63,392
Starting Salary
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Long Beach earn a median starting salary of $63,392, which is $28,392 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,460 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,553 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
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68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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