Virginia Commonwealth University vs California State University-Long Beach

Richmond, VA — Long Beach, CA

Metric
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
Location Richmond, VA Long Beach, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 20,753 35,924
Acceptance Rate 92.6% 46.3%
SAT Average 1,137
In-State Tuition $16,945 $7,350
Out-of-State Tuition $40,109 $19,950
Avg Net Price $23,433 $10,440
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $14,289
4-Year Graduation Rate 64.2% 69.3%
Retention Rate 85.3% 86.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $47,161 $50,062
Median Earnings (10 yr) $58,128 $64,403
Loan Repayment Rate 886300.0% 894200.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
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California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Virginia Commonwealth University and California State University-Long Beach compare?
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) has an acceptance rate of 92.6%, in-state tuition of $16,945, and median 10-year earnings of $58,128. California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA) has an acceptance rate of 46.3%, in-state tuition of $7,350, and median 10-year earnings of $64,403.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Virginia Commonwealth University or California State University-Long Beach?
California State University-Long Beach graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,403 vs $58,128. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Commonwealth University or California State University-Long Beach?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Long Beach is the more affordable option at $10,440 per year versus $23,433.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California State University-Long Beach has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 69.3% vs 64.2%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025