Head-to-head · 2026
California State University-Long Beach vs San Diego State University
Compare average net price ($10,440 at California State University-Long Beach; $15,364 at San Diego State University), ROI score (15.42 vs 10.56), ten-year median earnings ($64,403 vs $64,909), and admissions selectivity (46.3% acceptance at California State University-Long Beach; 36.2% at San Diego State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. California State University-Long Beach leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | California State University-Long Beach | San Diego State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.42 ✓ | 10.56 |
| Avg net price | $10,440 ✓ | $15,364 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,403 | $64,909 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 46.3% | 36.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 68.9% | 76.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,289 ✓ | $15,000 |
| Enrollment | 35,924 | 35,377 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
San Diego State University costs $4,924 more per year than California State University-Long Beach ($15,364 vs $10,440). San Diego State University graduates report $506 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,909 vs $64,403). On EduGradify's model that puts California State University-Long Beach ahead on projected ROI (15.42 vs 10.56, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (California State University-Long Beach) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, California State University-Long Beach is selective at 46.3% acceptance versus 36.2% (selective) at San Diego State University.
Frequently asked
California State University-Long Beach vs San Diego State University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California State University-Long Beach or San Diego State University the better value?
California State University-Long Beach has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.42 vs 10.56), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
California State University-Long Beach is cheaper — average net price $10,440 per year vs $15,364 at San Diego State University. The annual difference of $4,924 adds up to about $19,696 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
San Diego State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,909 vs $64,403 at California State University-Long Beach. The annual gap in the federal data is $506.
Which school is harder to get into?
San Diego State University is more selective at 36.2% acceptance vs 46.3% at California State University-Long Beach.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. California State University-Long Beach reports a A value grade; San Diego State University reports B.