School Guide

How to transfer to CSULB

Everything you need to know about transferring to California State University, Long Beach - from requirements and deadlines to competitive majors and insider strategies.

30%

Transfer Accept Rate

3.1

Median Admit GPA

90%+

From CA Community Colleges

Oct 1 – Dec 15

Application Deadline

CSULB transfer quick facts

Location

Long Beach, California

Semester System

Fall & Spring

Minimum Units

60 semester units

Junior-level standing required

Minimum GPA

2.0 (CA residents)

Competitive admits average 2.8–3.4

CSULB transfer requirements

CSULB evaluates transfer applicants holistically. Here's what you need to be competitive.

Academic Requirements

CSULB transfer eligibility:

  • 60 transferable semester units completed
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA (competitive admits higher)
  • Golden Four courses completed
  • 30 units of CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC
  • Good academic standing

Major Preparation

CSULB is heavily impacted - major prep is critical:

  • CSULB is the second-most-applied-to CSU
  • Nursing, engineering, business, and CS are most competitive
  • Check ASSIST.org for your CC articulation
  • Completing an ADT significantly strengthens your application

Cal State Apply

Application through the CSU system:

  • Application window: October 1 – December 15
  • No personal essays for most programs
  • Some programs have supplemental requirements
  • Self-reported transcripts initially

ADT Advantage

ADT holders have significant advantages at CSULB:

  • Guaranteed CSU admission (campus not guaranteed but CSULB gives priority)
  • ADT students receive priority review for impacted programs
  • Complete AA-T or AS-T at your CC
  • Streamlined path to graduation in 60 additional units

Competitive transfer majors at CSULB

Acceptance rates vary by major. Understanding the competitive landscape is key to a smart application strategy.

College of Engineering

Computer Science

Most competitive transfer program at CSULB. Strong math and programming prerequisites.

Very Low

Accept Rate

3.2+

Competitive GPA

Very High Competition

College of Health & Human Services

Nursing

Extremely selective. Separate application with specific prerequisite requirements.

Very Low

Accept Rate

3.5+

Competitive GPA

Very High Competition

College of Business

Business Administration

Highly competitive and impacted. Strong quantitative skills needed.

Low

Accept Rate

3.0+

Competitive GPA

High Competition

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Competitive engineering program with strong math/physics prerequisites.

Low

Accept Rate

3.0+

Competitive GPA

High Competition

College of Liberal Arts

Psychology

Popular major with moderate competition.

Moderate

Accept Rate

2.8+

Competitive GPA

Moderate Competition

College of the Arts

Film & Electronic Arts

Well-regarded creative program with portfolio requirements.

Moderate

Accept Rate

2.8+

Competitive GPA

Moderate Competition

CSULB transfer timeline

Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here are the dates that matter.

1

October 1

Cal State Apply Opens

Start your CSULB application.

2

December 15

Application Deadline

Submit by this date. Some impacted programs may close earlier.

3

February–March

Supplemental Materials

Impacted programs may request additional documentation.

4

March–May

Admission Decisions

Rolling decisions through spring.

How we help you get into CSULB

Our team provides expert guidance tailored specifically to California State University, Long Beach transfer admissions.

Impaction Navigation

CSULB is one of the most impacted CSUs in the state. We help you understand realistic targets and position competitively.

ADT Strategy

Guidance on completing your ADT to maximize priority admission status.

Course Planning

ASSIST-based course mapping for your CC-to-CSULB pathway.

Nursing/Engineering Strategy

Specialized guidance for the most competitive health and STEM programs.

Application Review

Full review of your Cal State Apply submission.

Multi-Campus Strategy

Building a balanced CSU application list with CSULB as a target.

Let's get you into CSULB

Whether you're just starting at a community college or approaching application season, our team can help you build the strongest possible CSULB transfer application.

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Free 30-minute consultation · No commitment required

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