As a prospective or current student at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), understanding the cost of attendance is crucial for financial planning and decision-making. This article will provide a thorough breakdown of all the expenses associated with attending CSULB, helping you anticipate and prepare for these costs effectively.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are the most significant components of the cost of attendance.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (per year)
| Residency | Campus | Tuition | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Resident | Main Campus | $6,594 | $2,460 |
| Non-Resident | Main Campus | $21,606 | $2,460 |
| California Resident | Extended Education | $4,332 | $3,264 |
| Non-Resident | Extended Education | $15,930 | $3,264 |
Graduate Tuition and Fees (per year)
| Program | Residency | Campus | Tuition | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | California Resident | Main Campus | $8,874 | $2,640 |
| MBA | Non-Resident | Main Campus | $24,420 | $2,640 |
| Math Education | California Resident | Main Campus | $6,612 | $2,640 |
| Math Education | Non-Resident | Main Campus | $21,672 | $2,640 |
On-Campus Housing and Dining
Living on campus offers convenience, community, and guaranteed housing. However, it comes at a premium.
On-Campus Housing (per year)
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Residence Hall (double occupancy) | $11,292 – $12,672 |
| Apartment-Style Housing | $13,008 – $15,336 |
Dining Plans (per quarter)
| Plan | Cost |
|---|---|
| Essential | $1,841 |
| Plus | $2,248 |
| Prime | $2,664 |
Off-Campus Housing and Utilities
Off-campus housing can offer more flexibility and affordability, but students must consider additional costs.
Off-Campus Housing (average monthly rent)
| Location | Cost |
|---|---|
| Long Beach | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Torrance | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Westminster | $1,500 – $2,200 |
Utilities (average monthly cost)
| Utility | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $100 – $150 |
| Gas | $50 – $100 |
| Water | $50 – $100 |
| Internet | $60 – $80 |
Books and Supplies
Course materials can add a significant expense to your budget.
Books and Supplies (average annual cost)
| Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Graduate | $1,500 – $2,000 |
Transportation
Transportation costs can vary depending on your location and lifestyle.
Transportation (average monthly cost)
| Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Transportation | $120 – $150 |
| Gas | $200 – $300 |
| Parking | $100 – $200 |
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses, such as entertainment, clothing, and healthcare, can also contribute to the total cost of attendance.
Personal Expenses (average monthly cost)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $300 – $400 |
| Entertainment | $100 – $200 |
| Clothing | $50 – $100 |
| Healthcare | $100 – $200 |
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
CSULB offers a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to assist with educational expenses.
Financial Aid
- Federal Grants and Loans: Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Stafford Loans, and PLUS Loans.
- State Grants: Cal Grant A, B, and C.
- University Grants: CSULB Foundation Grants, College Opportunity Grants, and Baccalaureate Scholars Grants.
Scholarships
- Academic Scholarships: Awarded based on academic merit.
- Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to student-athletes.
- Special Interest Scholarships: Awarded to students with specific backgrounds or interests.
Total Cost of Attendance (per year)**
California Resident
| Type | Main Campus | Extended Education |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $21,940 – $23,320 | $10,488 – $14,500 |
| Graduate | $25,580 – $27,960 | $12,544 – $17,576 |
Non-Resident
| Type | Main Campus | Extended Education |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $40,110 – $41,490 | $20,194 – $24,656 |
| Graduate | $49,730 – $51,110 | $22,444 – $26,812 |
Key Takeaways
- Tuition and fees are the largest component of the cost of attendance, ranging from $6,594 to $24,420 per year.
- On-campus housing and dining plans offer convenience but come at a premium, costing up to $15,336 and $2,664 per quarter, respectively.
- Off-campus housing and utilities can be more affordable but require additional considerations.
- The total cost of attendance can vary significantly depending on residency status, program, and lifestyle choices.
- CSULB offers a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to assist with educational expenses.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of attendance is essential for making informed decisions about your education. By carefully considering all components, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, and personal expenses, you can plan and budget effectively. CSULB offers various financial aid and scholarship resources to help you offset the cost of attendance and pursue your academic goals successfully.
