5 Best Colleges in Long Beach
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Long Beach, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Long Beach.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Long Beach graduates reach $43,933 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $1,556 to $7,008.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionCalifornia State University-Long Beach
Annual Tuition
$7,008
Early Salary
$64,403
Acceptance Matrix
47.1%
Long Beach City College
Annual Tuition
$1,556
Early Salary
$38,870
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
John Wesley International Barber and Beauty College
Annual Tuition
$12,735
Early Salary
$23,643
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
North-West College-Long Beach
Annual Tuition
$32,474
Early Salary
$39,876
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Universal Technical Institute-Southern California
Annual Tuition
$24,867
Early Salary
$52,873
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Long Beach
01
Academic Diversity
Long Beach offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach City College, John Wesley International Barber and Beauty College and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Long Beach can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Long Beach graduates is notably strong. Institutions like California State University-Long Beach lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $64,403. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Long Beach has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Duarte, El Monte, Alameda to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the California landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Long Beach
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Long Beach, CA
Selecting a college in Long Beach provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 5 institutions within or near the city limits of Long Beach, California. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Long Beach cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Long Beach area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of California.
Our data for Long Beach, CA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of California.