California State University-Long Beach

What are the graduation rates for students at California State University-Long Beach?

California State University-Long Beach demonstrates a notably high overall graduation rate, with 70% of students completing their programs, placing the institution within the top 25% nationally. Women tend to graduate at a higher rate than men, with 74% of female students earning degrees compared to 64% of male students. This gender gap reflects a stronger graduation outcome for women at the university.

When considering completion within a traditional timeframe, about 38% of students graduate within four years, a figure that is average and falls into the lower 45% percentile range. However, the university's six-year graduation rate jumps significantly to 70%, again ranking it in the top quarter of similar institutions, indicating that many students successfully complete their degrees given more time.

Retention also plays a critical role in graduation outcomes. California State University-Long Beach retains 85% of its students from year to year, a rate that is comparatively high and correlates strongly with the strong graduation performance observed overall.

Although detailed graduation rates by specific majors are not provided, these broad figures offer valuable insight, particularly for prospective students weighing their educational options and timelines. The higher graduation rates among female students and the strong extended graduation rate suggest a supportive academic environment for degree completion at this institution.

What is the earning potential for graduates at California State University-Long Beach?

Graduates from California State University-Long Beach experience a wide range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earning disciplines are those in engineering and technology sectors. For instance, graduates with a degree in Construction Engineering Technologies can expect an average salary of $83,666, while Computer Engineering graduates have an average annual earning of $68,683. Other engineering majors also fare well financially, such as Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at $66,374, Biomedical/Medical Engineering at $65,701, and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $67,072.

Computer Science graduates also see strong financial outcomes, earning on average $60,701 per year. Similarly, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering graduates have median earnings of $62,480 and $61,380, respectively. Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians earn a respectable $46,366 on average.

Business-related fields offer moderate earning potential. For example, Accounting and Related Services graduates average $45,106 annually, while those in Finance and Financial Management Services earn approximately $44,864. Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates typically make around $41,174, with Human Resources Management and Services at $43,226 and Management Information Systems and Services at $43,803. Marketing majors have a median income of $39,095, and Business/Managerial Economics graduates earn about $39,824.

Fields in the sciences show varied earnings. Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates earn about $41,546, Physics graduates earn $43,640, while Geological and Earth Sciences stand around $49,915. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology alumni can expect roughly $35,185. Chemistry graduates earn a median of $32,996, and Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology graduates receive about $34,271.

On the social sciences and humanities side, disciplines generally yield lower earnings. Economics graduates earn around $36,911, Geography and Cartography $36,016, and Social Work $32,587. Communication and Media Studies graduates have an average of $34,094, and Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates earn about $31,210. Students focusing on Political Science and Government have a median income close to $26,031, while Psychology graduates earn approximately $26,891.

Several arts and language fields offer more modest compensation. For example, Design and Applied Arts graduates average $40,105, Fine and Studio Arts $25,974, and Drama/Theatre Arts $20,025. Language studies such as Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics yield around $29,118, while East Asian Languages earn about $23,737.

Health-related programs vary considerably, with Registered Nursing graduates achieving a notably high average salary of $83,777. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates report earnings near $39,402, and Public Health graduates earn about $27,767.